An Overview on Autism

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disability due to brain differences. According to the CDC, people with ASD have problems with social communication and interaction. Symptoms may include avoiding eye contact, not playing interactive games or pretending, and not noticing when other children join them in playing or notice when others are hurt. Additionally, restricted or repetitive interests or behaviors are often seen in people with ASD. Some examples of these types of behaviors are lining up toys, playing with toys in the same way every time, flapping their hands, or having to follow a certain routine. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning or moving. They may have delayed language and movement skills, a lack of fear, hyperactive behavior, or excessive worry or anxiety. It is important to note that people with ASD can present a variety of symptoms, and this list is not conclusive.

A recent study conducted by Tsutomu Takeda et. al. in 2024 investigated whether individuals with ASD are more likely to experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than individuals with typical development. ACEs are potentially traumatic events that happen before the individual is 18 years old. Some examples of these events are forms of abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence or marital problems between their parents, and living with members in their household who struggle with substance abuse, have a mental illness, or engage in criminal activities. ACEs predispose individuals to a higher risk of mental health issues later in life. The study was conducted by collecting findings from existing epidemiological and biological studies. The researchers found that a significantly higher proportion of individuals with ASD experience ACEs compared with people without ASD, and people with ASD are more likely to experience ACEs than people without ASD. Twice the number of individuals with ASD have reported four or more ACEs as individuals with typical development. Moreover, it was found that individuals with ASD are more likely to experience physical abuse and neglect and three times more likely to be bullied than individuals with typical development. They also found a link between ASD and other mental health disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, and suicide attempts. Finally, it was found that individuals who indicated ACEs exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and distressing memories in individuals with ASD. Children with ASD who have experienced abuse have significantly increased aggression, tantrums, and hyperactivity.

There are available treatments today that help children with ASD reduce symptoms that interfere with their daily functioning and quality of life. A behavioral approach that is used to treat people with ASD is known as applied behavior analysis. This method includes discrete trial training, where a therapist uses step-by-step instructions to teach desired behavior or response by rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring undesired behaviors. Therapists also use pivotal response training that is held in a natural setting rather than a clinical one, where they aim to improve pivotal skills, like communication, that will help neurodivergent individuals with other life skills. There is also a developmental approach that focuses on improving developmental skills, including language and physical skills. The most common therapy people with ASD partake in is speech and language therapy to improve their speech, language, and ability to verbally communicate with others. Individuals also may go to occupational therapy to improve skills that help them with their daily lives, like eating, bathing, and getting dressed. Occupational therapy includes sensory integration therapy to improve their responses to sensory input and physical therapy to help improve physical skills. Although there are medications available that can help with some symptoms of ASD, no medicine can completely cure ASD. Many treatments are available for individuals and children with ASD, and it is important that they find the treatment that works best to mitigate their specific symptoms.