Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pediatric
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disorders that start during early childhood. They affect the way a child learns, communicates, interacts with others, and behaves. Most children do not outgrow ASD.
ASD affects each child in different ways. Some children with ASD have above-average intelligence. Others have severe learning disabilities. Some children can do or learn to do most activities. Other children need a lot of help.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of this condition is not known. It may be caused by genes that are passed down through families.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in children who:
Are male.
Have a family history of ASD.
Were born before 26 weeks of pregnancy (prematurely).
Were born with another genetic disorder.
Were conceived when their parents were older than 35–40 years of age.
Were exposed to a seizure medicine called valproic acid in the womb.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of ASD often start before age 2. Early symptoms include:
Not making eye contact.
Not wanting to be hugged or cuddled.
Not pointing or looking when someone is pointing.
Not being interested in or responding to others.
Not babbling by age 1.
Not using single words by 16 months.
Not using two-word phrases by age 2.
Later symptoms include:
Repeating weird movements or behaviors, such as rocking or head banging.
Being very focused on an object or on lining up toys or other objects.
Not playing pretend games.
Repeating words or phrases over and over (echolalia).
Being sensitive to noises, loud voices, touch, lights, or sudden movement.
Not using words or using words incorrectly.
Lacking friendships or having no interest in making friends.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a full assessment. Your child may need to see a team of health care providers, which may include:
A developmental pediatrician.
A child psychologist or psychiatrist.
A neurologist.
A speech and language therapist.
An occupational therapist.
The health care team will assess behavior and development. They will determine what level of ASD your child has. Each level has its own criteria for diagnosis.
Level 1
Level 1 is the mildest form of ASD. Your child may require some support. This form may not be noticeable with treatment. At level 1, your child may:
Speak in full sentences.
Have no repetitive behaviors.
Have trouble switching between activities.
Have trouble or show no interest in interacting with others.
Have trouble starting friendships.
Level 2
Level 2 is a moderate form of ASD. It requires more support. At level 2, your child may:
Speak in simple sentences.
Repeat certain behaviors. These may sometimes get in the way of daily activities.
Only interact with others about certain shared interests.
Have trouble coping with change.
Have unusual nonverbal communication skills.
Have trouble starting conversations or asking questions.
Level 3
Level 3 is the most severe form of ASD. It requires the most support. It also interferes with daily life. At level 3, your child may:
Speak rarely or use few understandable words.
Repeat certain behaviors often. These get in the way of daily activities.
Interact with others rarely and awkwardly.
Have extreme difficulty coping with change.
How is this treated?
There is no cure for this condition. Treatment may make symptoms less severe. Your child's health care team will design a program to meet your child's needs. Treatment usually involves therapies that address:
Medicines may be prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, seizures, or behavior problems. You may receive training and support as part of your child's treatment program. You and your child may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy to help with anxiety or depression.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees your child support at school. This includes an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) made by teachers who specialize in working with students who have ASD.
Follow these instructions at home:
Activity
General instructions
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Learn as much as you can about ASD. Make sure you understand your child's rights under IDEA.
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Work with your child's health care providers. Be an active member of your child's treatment team.
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Meet with your child's teachers and school counselors. Make sure they take the same approach with your child. Ask them about any problems and any progress your child is making at school.
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Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits. Treatment is more effective when started early.
Contact a health care provider if:
Get help right away if you feel like your child may hurt themselves or others, or if they have thoughts about taking their own life. Go to your nearest emergency room or:
Summary
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ASD affects the way a child communicates, interacts with others, and behaves.
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There is no cure for ASD. Treatment can make symptoms less severe.
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Get help right away if your child's symptoms get worse or do not respond to treatment.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
