Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder. It affects a person's behavior. And it makes communication and social interactions hard.

ASD can range from mild to severe. The type of symptoms a person has and how severe they are varies. Some children may not be able to function without a lot of help from parents and other caregivers. Others may learn social and verbal skills and lead independent lives as adults.

Most people with ASD will always have some trouble when they communicate or interact with others. But finding and treating ASD early has helped many people who have ASD to lead full lives. They can do things like go to college and work.

ASD now includes conditions that used to be diagnosed separately. These include:

• Autism.
• Asperger's syndrome.
• Pervasive developmental disorder.
• Childhood disintegrative disorder.

You or your doctor might use any of these terms to describe the condition.

Adults with ASD have some symptoms in these areas:

Communication and social interactions.

Symptoms may include:

• Problems using or responding to gestures or pointing, facial expressions, and body posture. And there may be problems making eye contact.
• Problems making friends or dating. And there may be problems bonding with a child or partner. Or there may be problems working with colleagues.
• Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with others.
• Problems starting a conversation.

Repetitive behaviors and limited interests in activities.

Symptoms may include:

• Getting attached to objects or topics.
• A strong need for sameness and routines.
• Repetitive use of language. An adult with ASD may keep repeating a phrase they have heard.

How severe the symptoms are varies. Some symptoms, like repetitive behaviors, may get better over time.

ASD is usually diagnosed in early childhood. That's when parents may notice developmental delays and behavior issues. But if a child's symptoms are mild or mistaken for another condition, ASD may not be noticed until later in life.

To diagnose ASD, the doctor will:

• Ask about your symptoms and past health.
• Ask about your childhood development. The doctor may ask parents or siblings if, as a child, you had:
  • Any language delays.
  • Problems learning or interacting with others.
  • Any behaviors that seemed unusual.
• Ask a partner, family member, or friend how you behave or interact with others at home and at work.
• Ask if there's a family history of ASD.
• Watch how you interact with others during your exam.

You may have other tests. These are to see if another problem is causing symptoms.

The doctor will use all of this information, along with their own judgment, to diagnose ASD.

Treatment may include:

Behavior and social skills training.

This can help you learn how to:

• Get organized and manage your time.
• Communicate better and speak up for yourself.
• Learn skills needed to go to college or get a job.
• Form and keep relationships.

Job skills training.

This can help you learn how to:

• Prepare for interviews and help you learn other skills needed to find work.
• Find a job that will focus on your strengths.
• Talk to an employer about special needs you may have.

On-the-job training and coaching can help you to:

• Get work experience.
• Learn skills needed to get work done.
• Set and achieve work goals.

Counseling.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy might be used to treat anxiety and depression.
• Couples and family therapy can help improve relationships.

Medicines.

Medicines might be used to treat ASD symptoms. These include being cranky or hyperactive. Sometimes medicine is used to treat other problems, like anxiety and depression.

• Build your child's confidence and skills. Use rules, daily routines, and visual aids such as written schedules. And try role-playing to practice social situations. Children with ASD like specific rules and consistent expectations. Help your child take things they learn and apply them in different settings. For example, if your child learned how to count money in school, have him or her use that skill to pay for something at the grocery store.
• Focus on your child's strengths. Encourage your child to explore interests at home and at school. And stay informed about what happens in your child's classroom.
• Encourage your child to learn how to interact with people. Explain why this is important. Give lots of praise, especially when he or she uses a social skill without prompting.
• Contact your school district to find out what special services your child can be a part of. Federal law requires public schools to have programs for people ages 3 through 21 with special needs.
• Learn as much as you can about ASD. Talk to others about it. The more that teachers, your child's peers, and other people learn, the better they can help and support your child.
• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Some children with ASD also have other conditions. They may have anxiety, depression, ADHD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. So they may need medicine. Call the doctor if you have any problems with your child's medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines the doctor prescribes.
• Plan for your child's future. As your child gets older, think about where your adult child will live or go to college. Think about what training and job resources he or she may need. When a child with ASD becomes an adult, he or she is still eligible for certain services, but will have to request or apply for them. As an adult, he or she will have to ask for what they need themselves. But you can take steps now to help make sure that your child will have proper care and resources throughout life.