April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a complex condition that has profound effects on patients, their families, and society as a whole. It has been quite a while since we talked about autism and it has been in the news recently, so I thought this would be a good time to discuss it.
What Is Autism?
Autism, officially referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, behave, and interact with others. It is a lifelong condition. It is described as a “spectrum” because its characteristics can appear in varying degrees and forms among different individuals. Some people with autism are quite functional and you might not guess they have it unless you are around them often, while others are extremely limited. Most are somewhere in between.
How common is ASD?Over 7 million individuals in the US are on the autism spectrum. The prevalence of ASD has been increasing over the past 25 years. Currently, 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD.
What are the symptoms of ASD?
While symptoms can vary, some common symptoms or characteristics of autism include:
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Challenges with social communication, such as difficulty understanding facial expressions or maintaining conversations, and avoiding eye contact with others.
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Restricted or repetitive behaviors, including adherence to specific routines or intense focus on particular interests.
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Sensory sensitivities, such as heightened reactions to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
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Delayed speech or limited verbal abilities.
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Difficulty in adapting to changes or transitions.
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Strengths, sometimes quite exceptional strengths, in certain areas, such as memory, attention to detail, or advanced skills in math, art, or music.
How does ASD affect families?
While autism is often diagnosed in early childhood, its impact ripples across all stages of life. For families, autism can bring both rewards and challenges. Parents often describe moments of pride in witnessing their child’s unique talents or perseverance.
At the same time, navigating daily life can be demanding. This often includes:
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Managing therapies,
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Advocating for school accommodation,
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Understanding a child’s changing needs,
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Arranging appropriate specialized after school care,
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Some parents give up career goals to focus on their child with autism.
Support systems, whether through friends, family members, or local resources, play an essential role in fostering a sense of community and resilience.
Families of individuals with autism sometimes encounter misconceptions or stigma, which can add emotional strain. Education and awareness about autism are vital in building inclusivity and understanding within society.
The Autism Society celebrates April as Autism Acceptance Month. I like that idea. By embracing the diversity that comes with autism, we can honor the individuality of those who live with this condition.
Next week, we will talk more about autism spectrum disorder, including diagnosis and treatment strategies.
In the meantime, I would like to suggest a documentary that you might enjoy watching. It is called The Speed Cubers and is available on Netflix. One of the young men in the documentary has autism. I found the film very moving, and it illustrates the power of friendship and inclusion for those with autism.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor