Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

1. Etiology (known or suspected causes) of the disorder

There is no known single factor cause for autism spectrum disorder. Due to the complexity of the condition, the symptoms will vary, and therefore, it has various causes and risk factors that exacerbate the development of the disorder, especially in the children. The environment and genetics are key causal factors. Concerning the genetics part of it for the syndromes like fragile X syndrome and Rett, the genetic mutations are responsible for the changes that increase the risk of developing autism. Some of the genetic mutations are inherited from the parents and affect the development of the brain and its communication (Christensen et al., 2018). For the environmental factors infections, the complications and medications used during pregnancy, as well as the pollution of the air, contribute to the initiation of autism spectrum disorder.

2. Age of onset

The disease is common in the children of around two years and is associated with social communication problems like having poor eye contact and may fail at victims to respond when called by their names. Some repetitive behaviors like hand flapping and spinning and can also perform the behaviors that increase the chances of being harmed, for example, biting and head banging. By two years, the signs can be seen, and also these signs may not be realized within the first few months until the child can talk and are used to the common language patterns. Every child diagnosed with autism probably has a different and unique behavior pattern, as well as the level of severity of the condition ranging from high functioning and low functioning in terms of intelligence. Some may find it difficult when in a classroom where learning takes place, and some are just normal as they can quickly learn and only have problems with communication and application of what is learned in their life. After diagnosis, it can progress to adolescent and even in adulthood.

3. Predisposing factors (if any)

Children being diagnosed with the condition are increasing in number as the cases are detected early and reports made to determine how they should be managed. The disorder affects the children of all nationalities and races, and some of the predisposing factors include the sex; for example, it is more common in the males almost four times than it is to the females. It is also related to family history due to the fact that it can be genetically passed from a parent to their offspring. It is as well common for the relatives or the parents of a kid with the disorder to develop minor communication and social problems among themselves or do some things and behave in a particular manner (Loomes, Hull & Mandy, 2017). The children with some other underlying conditions are at an increased chance of developing the symptoms of autism. Fragile X syndrome is a condition inherited and is associated with intellectual issues. The babies born before attaining 26 weeks gestation are an increased risk as well the age of the parents for the child, for example, older adults.

4. Course of the disorder

The disorder is assumed to be present from birth for those who are diagnosed with the condition. Less of the affected children will show a normal course in life and adaptation, and in the second year, regression starts. The information for the course is not clear, and the information concerning it is not adequately organized. However, in some studies, when it is diagnosed in a child, then attention should be paid to the onset, the type, stability, and frequency of the symptoms. Within the first year of life. The health of the children is important, and on diagnosis, a quick recommendation on management and treatment is the first priority to help improve the lifespan of those with ASD as well as their families and the community. The cognitive functioning is determined and pathogenesis of the condition as well illustrated, for example, the data on hereditability. Nongenetic and genetic factors, epigenetics, phenotype-genotype correlations, and biomarkers. Follow up the patients to ensure their quality of life is improved as well as personal independence in adulthood.

5. Symptoms, associated features, and impact on the quality of life

The symptoms of the disorder begin as early, for example, the state of reduced eye contact. The disease is common in the children of around two years and is associated with social communication problems like having poor eye contact and may fail at victims to respond when called by their names. Some repetitive behaviors like hand flapping and spinning and can also perform the behaviors that increase the chances of being harmed, for example, biting and headbanging. Some children develop normally in the first few months of life and then abruptly become aggressive, lose language skills, and are withdrawn, forgetting some of the acquired knowledge and skills (Rescorla et al., 2019). Sometimes they shake, and as we already know, every affected individual has a special behavior pattern following the degree of intellectual functioning. Learning is a problem for some of the children due to reduced intelligence, while some learn quicker than normal people, and communication is a problem.

6. Effective treatment(s) of the disorder

A specific cure for the disorder has not been identified, and no medication treats the condition permanently currently. Some medications help reduce the symptoms, for example, haloperidol, sertraline, aripiprazole, and clozapine. The associated symptoms reduced include insomnia, trouble in focusing, and depression. Behavioral therapy is crucial to help in managing patients. Some other therapies are psychological, language education. The treatment should be initiated early to improve the outcomes, for example, screening toddlers and infants for the symptoms related to autistic conditions to allow for early detection (Tick, Bolton, Happé, Rutter & Rijsdijk, 2016). In communication and behavior treatments, applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be used in clinics and schools to assist in developing positive behaviors and reduce the negative patterns of behavior. An example is the DTT discrete trial training adopting positive reinforcement and simple lessons of language. Educate to improve the cognitive process, and even group teachings are important. Speech-language therapy could assist improve the communication and social adaptability of the children. Train on social skills and ensure the patients get enough nutrition for brain development and coping.

7. Prognosis/outcome of treatment

Most of the people treated respond well to the treatment even if they are old as long as the diagnosis has been made. All people in various settings and levels improve when the interventions for the management and treatment are appropriately implemented. The treatment also depends on individual needs because the symptoms are, and their severity vary from one individual to another.