Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to psychological and neurological disorders characterized by impaired interaction and social communication skills. According to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 36 children is identified as having autism spectrum disorder. The incidence is four times higher in boys than in girls. So, what exactly is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? What are its levels, causes, and signs?

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and interacts with others. It influences the process of social interaction and communication while including restricted and repetitive behavior patterns. The term “spectrum” in Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity levels of the condition.

ASD begins in childhood, with children often displaying autism symptoms in their first year. A small number of children develop normally during this time but then go through a regression phase around 18 to 24 months before the autism symptoms become apparent.

While there is no cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder, early and intensive detection and treatment can help many children integrate into society.

Levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are classified based on the amount of support the individual needs, including three levels:

• Level 1: Requires support.
• Level 2: Requires substantial support.
• Level 3: Experiences severe impairment and requires ongoing support.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Some children show signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder from a young age, such as reduced eye contact, not responding when called by name, or being indifferent to others. Other children may develop normally in the first few months or years but then suddenly withdraw and become aggressive. Signs often become evident by the age of 2. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may exhibit a unique set of behaviors and severity levels, ranging from mild to severe.

The expression of symptoms varies between children, making it sometimes very difficult to determine the severity. Diagnosis usually depends on the level of impairment and the impact of the condition on functioning. Here are common signs in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder:

1. Communication and Social Interaction

   Children or adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder may have difficulties with communication skills and social interaction. Symptoms include:

   • Not responding when called by name or not noticing when others call.
   • Disinterest in others, preferring to play alone and retreating into their own world.
   • Poor eye contact and lack of facial expressions.
   • Inability to speak, delayed speech, or loss of previously used words or sentences.
   • Difficulty starting or continuing a conversation, sometimes only initiating conversation when prompted.
   • Speaking with an unusual tone or rhythm, potentially using a robotic voice or speech.
   • Repeating words or phrases verbatim without understanding their use.
   • Appearing not to understand simple questions or directions.
   • Lack of emotional expression or inability to recognize the feelings of others.
   • Interacting socially in passive, aggressive, or disruptive ways.
   • Difficulty recognizing non-verbal cues, such as interpreting facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice.
2. Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors or Interests

   Children or adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder may exhibit restricted, repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. Symptoms include:

   • Engaging in repetitive actions such as rocking, spinning, or hand-flapping.
   • Performing self-harming actions, such as biting or banging their head.
   • Developing rigid routines, becoming distressed with even minor changes.
   • Having coordination issues or unusual movement patterns, such as clumsiness or walking on tiptoes, along with odd, stiff, or exaggerated body language.
   • Becoming fixated on the details of objects, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, without understanding the overall purpose or function of the object.
   • Showing unusual sensitivity to light or sound but being indifferent to pain or temperature.
   • Not participating in imaginative or pretend play.
   • Focusing intensely on an object or activity.
   • Having a limited range of food preferences, such as only eating certain types of food.

As they grow older, some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder become more connected with others and exhibit fewer behavioral disruptions. Those with fewer serious issues may lead normal or nearly normal lives. However, in many cases, children continue to struggle with language or social communication skills, and during adolescence, they may face worsening behavioral and emotional problems.

Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Risk Factors

The exact causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have not been identified. However, due to the complexity and severity of symptoms, the disorder may arise from genetic and environmental factors. The causes include:

1. Genetic Factors
   For some children, Autism Spectrum Disorder may be linked to genetic disorders, such as Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. In other cases, genetic mutations may increase the risk of developing ASD.
2. Having Siblings with ASD
   Families with one child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a higher likelihood of having another child with the condition. Additionally, parents or relatives of a child with ASD may experience minor communication skill difficulties or exhibit some symptoms of the disorder.
3. Older Parents
   There is a correlation between children born to older parents and the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder, but more research is needed to confirm this.
4. Birth Complications
   Some medications, such as valproic acid and thalidomide, taken during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in children.
5. Premature Birth
   Children born before 26 weeks of gestation are at a higher risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder compared to those born at term.
6. Gender
   Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder than girls.

When to See a Doctor

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder often show some developmental delays before the age of 2. If parents are concerned about their child’s development or suspect that their child may have ASD, they should consult a doctor for evaluation, diagnosis, and early intervention. Symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder can overlap with other developmental disorders.

Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder typically appear early, characterized by delays in language skills and social interaction. Doctors will recommend tests to determine whether a child has Autism Spectrum Disorder. These tests include:

• Not responding to joyful expressions by 6 months of age.
• Not mimicking sounds or facial expressions of caregivers by 9 months.
• Not babbling or speaking by 12 months.
• Not using gestures, such as pointing or waving, by 14 months.
• Not saying a single word by 16 months.
• Not imitating adult actions by 18 months.
• Not saying phrases by 24 months.
• Losing language or social skills at any age.

Complications of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder can impact social interaction and communication. Without early detection and treatment, the disorder can lead to the following difficulties:

• Academic problems and poor school performance.
• Employment issues.
• Inability to live independently.
• Social isolation.
• Family stress.
• Becoming a victim of bullying.

How is Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed?

Doctors will look for signs of developmental delays during routine health check-ups. If your child exhibits any symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, consult a psychiatrist or child psychologist for diagnosis and assessment.

Autism Spectrum Disorder varies in symptoms and severity, making diagnosis challenging. There is no specific test to identify the disorder. Instead, psychiatrists or child psychologists will rely on the following indicators:

• Observing the child and discussing how their social interactions, communication skills, and behaviors have developed and changed over time.
• Conducting tests on hearing, speech, language, developmental levels, and social and behavioral issues.
• Providing examples of social interactions and communication for the child to observe, then assessing their understanding.
• Utilizing criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
• Recommending genetic testing to determine if the child has Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome.

Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Curable?

There is no cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment method. The goal of treatment is to improve communication abilities and functioning by reducing ASD symptoms and supporting development and learning. Early intervention in the early years can help children learn social skills, communication, and improve their behavior.

Questions Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder

1. Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Dangerous?
   Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not directly dangerous to the individual or those around them. However, it can cause challenges in daily activities for the individual and their family. The severity and manifestations of ASD can vary from case to case.
2. Where to Get Tested for Autism Spectrum Disorder? Which Hospital?
   Contact a psychiatrist or child psychologist if your child exhibits signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder or shows unusual behaviors in play, learning, speech, or actions.

   The Outpatient Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City has a team of highly qualified doctors and leading specialists with a professional and caring working style. They ensure timely examination, diagnosis, treatment, and provide the best health care advice for patients. The customer service team is responsible for welcoming, guiding, introducing, and providing information about medical services and policies for patients and their families throughout the examination and treatment process at the hospital.