What is Autism: Learn More
About Autism & ASD
About Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. It often appears in early childhood and can influence social skills, communication, and behavior. People with autism might have difficulty understanding social cues. They might prefer routines and have specific interests or repetitive behaviors. The condition varies widely, meaning each person with autism has their own unique strengths and challenges.
As an organization, SPARKS embraces neurodiversity, recognizing the diverse ways people think and behave. We know families are vital to helping children with autism thrive.
Knowing the Symptoms of Autism
Autism exists on a spectrum, causing individuals to experience the signs and symptoms in various ways and to varying degrees. This means, for example, that one child on the spectrum may not be able to speak, while another talks profusely; one child may over-react to general background noise, while another under-reacts to a loud clang. While this range of symptoms can make autism tricky to diagnose, the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines ASD as a mix of certain characteristics that include:
| 1 | Persistent deficits in communication and social interaction across multiple contexts
These deficits can involve challenges with the back and forth nature of conversations; with sharing interests and emotions with others; and with initiating or responding to social interaction. Some children exhibit little or no interest in making friends with peers, and have difficulty making eye contact and using non-verbal cues (like facial expressions) to communicate. Likewise, a child might have trouble understanding relationships or developing and navigating friendships. |
| 2 |
Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities These patterns of behavior refer to what the DSM-5 calls “stereotypies,” or repeated movements and sounds that can include head-nodding, rocking, pacing, hand-flapping, and lining up toys. Insisting on the same routine, with limited or no tolerance for change; getting stuck in a rigid thinking pattern; and fixating or obsessing on a single interest are other signs. In addition, children may respond strongly to sensory input like lights, noises, or smells. On the flip side, they may not respond adequately (or under-react) to things like strong smells, painful injuries, or loud noises. |
Assessing and Diagnosing Autism
Currently, no medical or blood test can diagnose autism. Instead, pediatricians and other healthcare professionals evaluate your child’s developmental history and behavior—and may need to rule out medical conditions like hearing or speech problems.
If your pediatrician suspects ASD, your child will need to be evaluated by a provider who specializes in autism. This can include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, or pediatric neurologists. Whatever the case, a thorough evaluation involves an interview with parents or caregivers; a complete medical exam; a review of all related medical, psychological, and school records; an assessment of your child’s cognitive, developmental, and adaptive functioning skills; and an observation of your child playing.
Act Early—Don’t Delay
If you suspect your child has autism, don’t delay. Research shows that getting a diagnosis and starting treatment early can improve treatment outcomes. Why?
Children’s brains have the most “plasticity” in the first years of life, meaning they’re more adaptable to change through learning and experience. Your child’s brain, during this time period, forms thousands of synaptic connections between neurons—far more than needed. Then, as your child grows older, the brain eliminates connections used infrequently (a process known as “pruning”) and strengthens those connections activated most frequently.
For these reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for autism at all 18- and 24-month well-visits—and recommends starting treatment as soon as a developmental delay or autism is suspected.
Get Started
Ready to get started? No matter where you are in your journey, we can help. Reach out, and let’s find a time to chat.
Learn More