Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sam Shepherd
- May 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 6, 2024
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as "a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave."
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the most common developmental disability, occuring in roughly 1 in 36 children. ASD is a condition that can cause behavioral, communication, and social difficulties, and ranges in severity from individual to individual.
Diagnosing autism is done through behavioral and development history, not through any form of blood testing. It can be detected within the first 18 months of a child’s life, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be diagnosed as early. It’s very important for a diagnosis to occur as soon as possible to ensure that the individual and family can understand and get the support that they need. For some individuals, it may take until late adolescence or adulthood to be diagnosed with autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder has numerous effects and will affect each individual with the condition in a different way. To begin, individuals with autism may have difficulty making eye contact as well as their tone of voice. To add, roughly 1/3 of children with autism are nonverbal. It can be difficult for individuals with autism to both recognize and express emotions as well as being overwhelmed in social situations.
In addition, there may be repetitive behaviors in individuals with autism, such as organizing things in a specific pattern, repetitive body movements, as well as really niche interests in certain things. There are many myths regarding autism, some of which are debunked here.
Myth 1: Autism only occurs in boys
Autism occurs 4 times the rate in boys then in girls, but girls are still able to be diagnosed with ASD.
Myth 2: People with autism can’t work a job
While roughly 75% of adults with autism aren’t employed, there are still many adults with autism that are employed.
Myth 3: Vaccines cause autism
There is no single cause of autism, but there is no factual evidence to back this myth. Thimerosal, an ingredient once used in vaccines, was theorized to be a cause of autism. However, since removing that ingredient from vaccines, the rate of autism diagnoses has only increased.
In total, Autism Spectrum Disorder affects every individual with the condition in a different way. As it is the most common developmental disability, the spectrum in which it affects individuals is very wide ranging. It is important to understand that every individual with the condition has their own unique needs and desires.
To read about the history of autism, you can click the button below.
