From the Guidelines
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as noted in the most recent study by 1. The symptoms of ASD can vary widely among individuals, but common characteristics include difficulty with social reciprocity, reduced eye contact, and trouble understanding nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language. People with ASD often display repetitive movements or speech patterns, insistence on sameness, highly restricted interests, and unusual sensory sensitivities (either over or under-responsiveness to sensory input) 1. Some key features of ASD include:
- Persistent challenges in social communication and interaction
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
- Symptoms appear in early development, though may be missed until social demands exceed the person's capabilities
- Tantrums, self-injury, and aggression may occur in some individuals
- Co-occurring medical and mental health conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression, are common 1. Many individuals with ASD struggle with understanding social norms, interpreting others' intentions, and may have difficulty with perspective-taking. Early identification and intervention during developmental periods can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with ASD, as highlighted in the study by 1.
From the Research
General Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The general symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include:
- Deficits in social communication and interaction
- Presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests 2, 3
- No response to name when called, no or limited use of gestures in communication, and lack of imaginative play in early childhood 2
- Higher rates of co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and epilepsy compared to the general population 2
Early Signs and Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms of ASD in a child's first 2 years of life include:
- No response to name when called
- No or limited use of gestures in communication
- Lack of imaginative play 2
Associated Behaviors
Individuals with ASD may exhibit associated behaviors such as:
- Irritability and aggression, which can be treated with medications like risperidone and aripiprazole 2, 4
- Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests 3
- Sleep difficulties and epilepsy, particularly in individuals with co-occurring intellectual disability 2
Treatment and Intervention
Treatment and intervention for ASD may include:
- Intensive behavioral interventions, such as the Early Start Denver Model, which can improve language, play, and social communication in children 5 years or younger 2
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA)-based interventions, which may be effective in improving socialization, communication, and expressive language in children with ASD 5
- Pharmacotherapy, such as risperidone and aripiprazole, which can improve irritability and aggression in individuals with ASD 2, 4