Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Does ASD Mean in Child Development?
With Autism Awareness Month upon us, at BioVitality, we believe that creating a more welcoming environment is essential for people with Autism by making people aware of this complex disorder that's often misunderstood. We think that the more people learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the easier it is for parents, teachers and peers to welcome children on the spectrum with a better understanding. This improves families' lives with a child on the spectrum and, most notably, for the child themselves.
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Compiled & Edited By Lauren Nicoll
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So, what exactly is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There is more than a single type of Autism, and every child has different challenges and conditions related to being on the spectrum. Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders related to differences in the brain and refer to a range of conditions defined by complications with social skills, speech or pre-verbal communication, learning in different ways and repetitive behaviours. Like a scale, the severity of conditions that used to be diagnosed separately, such as autism disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger's syndrome, all now fall under the autism spectrum disorder. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
What can we expect from the development of a child affected by ASD?
All children develop at their own pace; however, age-specific development phases measure a child's emotional and social progress. Research has shown that ASD starts before the age of three and lasts a person's entire life, but symptoms can improve over time with early intervention. Children with ASD might experience delays in language and learning skills, while others have issues with social activities and making friends; some may also learn a complex skill first before a simple one. The critical point is that children with ASD develop at different rates in different spheres.
The first signs of ASD?
Because of the complex nature of different autism disorders, sometimes the signs reveal from infancy, while other times your child may appear to develop typically, then development slows down, and symptoms of ASD become more apparent. Not all children with ASD show and experience a combination of these behaviours.
Here are a few of the first known signs of ASD in early childhood to be conscious of:
Poor eye contact
Little or no response to hearing their name
No smiling or reacting to others
No babbling or pointing to things by 12 months
No individual words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
As the child grows, other signs of ASD in childhood in the form of poor social communication (ranging from the total absence of speech to the development of delayed language, the echoes of words and sounds, or not noticing non-verbal cues, voice tone and body language) or Social interaction is affected (Difficulty interacting, communicating and interacting with others, avoidance of eye contact. Prefers playing alone, difficulty to respond to subtle social cues, or doesn't understand personal space boundaries, resists physical contact or inflexibility with routine) Repetitive Behavior Patterns (rocking side to side and hand flapping, obsessive interest in a particular topic or activity, rigid thinking patterns, excessive food restrictions, repetitive statements, sounds or questions and overreaction to sensory texture, sight, sound, or smell input)
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Therapy and Support
No parent can prepare for an ASD diagnosis for their child, with numerous questions and concerns that arise throughout the journey as there is no quick fix for ASD. With an overload of contradictory treatment tips everywhere, it is easy to feel powerless and confused. If your child has ASD related developmental delays, the best thing is not to delay seeking help if you think your child has developmental challenges. Start treatment right away, as it's the most effective way to sustain and accelerate your child's development and reduce symptoms over time. Numerous behavioural interventions, treatments and dietary advice are available to help your child learn new skills and overcome various issues. Find a strong support system and empower yourself and your child through education about your child's developmental needs and focus on their positive strengths. Early intervention is vital.
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References: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism, https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/brain-structure-changes-in-autism-explained/, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html, https://sparkforautism.org/discover/tags/diagnosing-autism/