Discussing the autism spectrum

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Autism is referred to as being a spectrum because it varies greatly in its severity from person to person. Persons with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They often repeat certain behaviors and are not comfortable with changes in their daily activities. People with ASD also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. There is no cure for ASD, but research shows that early detection and treatment services can improve a child’s development.

Symptoms of autism usually are seen by age 3 years but may be seen as early as the first few months of life. The frequency of ASD may be as high as 1 in every 59 children – almost 2 percent of children. Autism is linked to other medical conditions, especially epilepsy. Twenty to thirty percent of people with ASD develop epilepsy.

The American Autism Association identifies the following symptoms as being common in autism:

• Using unusual speech patterns, such as using a robot-like tone

• Avoiding eye contact

• Not babbling or cooing to parents as an infant

• Not responding to their name

• Delayed development of speech skills

• Having difficulty with maintaining conversation

• Frequently repeating phrases

• Difficulty in understanding feelings of others and expressing their own

People with autism function best when their lives are very structured and predictable. They feel comfortable when they can predict the outcomes of certain behaviors and places. A break in their routine or exposure to loud, over-stimulating surroundings can overwhelm them. They respond with outbursts of anger, frustration, distress, or sadness. There is no specific test to diagnose autism. The diagnosis is made through parents sharing with their doctor their child’s behavior. The doctor will then rule out other medical conditions that might mimic ASD such as hearing difficulties.

The cause of ASD is unknown. Unfortunately this has lead to false claims that vaccinations may cause ASD. The vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is most frequently cited as causing ASD. The Centers for Disease Control reports that there is no known connection between vaccines and autism. A study that suggested a link between MMR and autism was published in 1998. The paper was retracted 12 years later after evidence of data tampering and research fraud were proven.

Many studies have disproven the claim that the antibodies stimulated by the MMR vaccine caused ASD. Others had claimed that thimerosal, a preservative that contains mercury caused autism. Nine studies have disproved this claim. In 2019 a long-term follow up study from Denmark showed no link between MMR vaccine and ASD.

There is no established treatment for autism — every person requires individualized treatment. Children with ASD require treatment for health issues that accompany autism. These conditions include epilepsy, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and sleep disturbances. Your pediatrician can help direct you to an autism specialists or psychologists that can help your child.