Autism, also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that involves communication and behavioral issues. This can include a wide spectrum of symptoms as well as disabilities. It is a lifelong disorder wherein the degree of functional impairment may range from mild to severe needing full time care.

ASD is a diagnostic label given to a wide category of neurodevelopmental disorders.

These types were analyzed one at a time by differences and intensity of symptoms:

• Autistic disorder

• Asperger’s syndrome

• Childhood disintegrative disorder

• Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

Early Signs of Autism

As previously noted, the most visible signs of autism are connected to communication and interaction with others. Symptoms can be observed by parents or their pediatricians as early as less than a year old. However, these can be more consistently seen by the time a child is 2 or 3 years old.

Autism can be studied, thought about, and solved in a variety of ways. Intellectually speaking, autistic people might fall into a range from ‟severely challenged” to ‟gifted.”

The following are some of the most common symptoms of autism:

• Not answering when called by name

• Avoiding eye contact or not showing awareness when others speak

• Not looking at the things they are shown

• Struggling to understand facial expressions

• Using the same words or phrases repeatedly

• Performing movements that are repeated (stimming)

• Struggling to express needs

• Preferring to play alone

• Struggling to adapt to change or having emotional meltdowns

• Showing hypersensitivity in different senses (smell, taste, sound, etc.)

• Delays in speech and language skills, or lack of conduct

• Loss of previously learned skills

Autism Spectrum Disability (ASD) is a type of developmental disorder. It has now become the umbrella name for all four prior types of autism. ASD is a spectrum disorder that doctors look at depending on how many differences a person has. While persons on the extremes of the spectrum may require assistance to function and manage their lives, many autistic people may live productive, independent, and pleasurable lives with the correct treatment.

Reference:

https://dilg.gov.ph/events/National-Autism-Consciousness-Week/698

https://www.ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/proclamations/proclamation-no-711/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-autism#treating-asd

https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/understanding-autism-basics