Understanding Autism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Autism is a disorder that remains inadequately studied, despite its prevalence in society. Diagnosing, understanding the causes, and evaluating the impact of autism on individuals are areas in which therapists have made partial progress. However, scientists can still utilize the available knowledge to regulate and mitigate the effects of autism, reducing its manifestations in adulthood.

Main body

Autism is a broad concept that encompasses various abnormalities in behavioral characteristics. The term "autism spectrum disorder" is scientifically accurate as scientists classify different types of ASD based on their symptoms and severity (¹). Although society tends to associate autism with intellectual impairments, it primarily affects social functions. Remarkably, individuals with autism often display exceptional intellectual skills in certain areas such as mathematics, art, or history. With the right approach to treatment and development of social and communicative skills, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives as active members of society.

Over the years, the number of people diagnosed with autism has increased globally, including in the United States (²). This trend can be attributed to improvements in diagnosis and early detection methods in children. For instance, the brief observation of social communication change has proven effective in measuring autism symptoms and enabling early intervention (³). This change in evaluation and treatment methods suggests that the intellectual and social development of individuals with autism can be as successful as those without the disorder.

Diagnosing autism involves identifying symptoms that manifest at different stages of a person's life. These symptoms can be categorized as sensory, communicative, or social, and they vary based on developmental stages. Social symptoms include difficulties in maintaining connections, communicating, and recognizing emotions. Communicative symptoms involve repetitive phrases, difficulty focusing on conversation topics, and answering questions. Sensory symptoms encompass heightened or weakened reactions to external stimuli, along with repetitive gestures or actions. By observing these indicators, parents and doctors can diagnose autism early and prevent further development.

Despite extensive research on autism manifestations, determining the causes of the disorder remains challenging. Genetic factors are strongly associated with autism spectrum disorders (¹), suggesting that gene mutations may be responsible for its occurrence. However, further studies are needed to establish a direct relationship between specific genetic characteristics and autism. Environmental factors, such as synthetic chemicals, neurochemicals, and aromatic substances, have also been implicated in the development of autism (²). Nevertheless, a definitive list of proven environmental causes does not exist. The commonly believed notion that vaccines cause autism has been debunked by numerous studies, which found no connection between the two. Additionally, moral pressure and psychological trauma have been proposed as potential causes for developmental delays and autism symptoms (²).

Although the uncertainty surrounding the causes of autism limits preventive methods, there are practices that can aid in the development of social, communicative, and motor functions while minimizing the impact of autism on individuals' lives. Timely diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, as young children are most responsive to learning and therapy. Treatment may involve medication to address insomnia and seizures, general therapy, and training to enhance social and communicative skills. Therapy also focuses on alleviating fears and panic triggered by loud noises or bright lights. Mindfulness training has shown promise in improving the quality of life and social communication of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (⁴). Other therapeutic interventions tailored to the specificities of each individual's autism disorder can also be effective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, autism is a disorder that primarily affects social, communicative, and sensory abilities. It is not associated with intellectual impairment, and individuals with autism often possess exceptional skills. The causes of autism have not been extensively studied, limiting preventive measures. However, various treatment methods can help individuals with autism improve their skills, interact in society, and lead fulfilling lives.

Works Cited

1. Lord, C., et al. (2018).
2. Sealeya, A., et al. (2016).
3. Kitzerow, J., et al. (2015).
4. Bruin, E. I., et al. (2015).