Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder, also called ASD, is a complex developmental disorder that typically affects a person’s ability to communicate, form relationships, and respond appropriately to the environment. The word spectrum in ASD means that every child is unique and has his own combination of characteristics. This means that no two people with ASD will have exactly the same symptoms. As well as experiencing varying combinations of symptoms, some people will have mild symptoms while others will have severe ones.

With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. 

There are many warning signs and symptoms, but they typically revolve around impaired social skills, speech and language difficulties, non-verbal communication difficulties, and limited interest in activities or play.

Social interactions and relationships. Symptoms may include:

• Doesn’t know how to connect with others, play, or make friends.
• Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people.
• Lack of empathy. People with autism may have difficulty understanding another person’s feelings, such as pain or sorrow
• Doesn’t play “pretend” games, engage in group games, imitate others, or use toys in creative ways.

Verbal and nonverbal communication. Symptoms may include:

• Delay in, or lack of, learning to talk.
• Problems taking steps to start a conversation. Many individuals with ASD have difficulties continuing a conversation after it has begun.
• Stereotyped and repetitive use of language.
• Uses facial expressions that don’t match what he or she is saying.
• Makes very few gestures (such as pointing). May come across as cold or “robot-like.”
• Difficulty understanding their listener’s perspective. For example, a person with ASD may not understand that someone is using humor. They may interpret the communication word for word and fail to catch the implied meaning.
• Speaking in an abnormal tone of voice, or with an odd rhythm or pitch (e.g. ends every sentence as if asking a question).
• Responding to a question by repeating it, rather than answering it.

Limited interests in activities or play. Symptoms may include:

• An unusual focus on pieces. Younger children with autism often focus on parts of toys, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy.
• Preoccupation with certain topics. For example, older children and adults may be fascinated by video games, trading cards, or license plates.
• A need for sameness and routines. For example, a child with ASD may insist on driving the same route every day to school.
• Stereotyped behaviors. These may include body rocking and hand flapping.

What to do if you’re worried

If are concerned about your child’s development, it may be helpful to discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. If your pediatrician detects possible signs of autism, your child should be referred to a psychologist for a comprehensive ASD diagnostic assessment. Screening tools can’t be used to make a diagnosis, which is why further assessment is needed. A referral from a pediatrician is not needed to be seen by a psychologist at the Applied Learning Center.