Autism
Raising a child with autism can be a frightening proposition for parents. It can mean a lifetime of managing complicated therapies and medical visits, mounting medical bills and concerns that parents may be providing assistance well into adulthood. People with autism can be college graduates with high IQs who have difficulty socializing, but they may also be nonverbal and require constant care.
Autism spectrum disorder begins early in development and encompasses autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and childhood dis-integrative disorder. With about one in 100 people affected worldwide, this disorder can manifest in many ways, leaving some highly functioning, with others requiring constant assistance. Economists expect ASD to cost the United States $461 billion annually beginning in 2025, for expenses such as adult medical care and loss of productivity by both individuals and caregivers. Families are desperate for answers on how to prevent and treat ASD.
Understanding what autism is, what causes it, and how it affects the brain is critical for developing better treatments and improving outcomes for families.
ASD is more than four times more common among boys
What Is Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of characteristics and support needs that people with autism may have.
ASD includes several conditions that were previously diagnosed separately, including:
Autistic disorder
Asperger’s syndrome
Childhood disintegrative disorder
Today, these conditions are generally grouped under the broader diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
People who are autistic may experience the world differently. Some individuals may have strong intellectual abilities but find social interaction difficult, while others may experience challenges with speech, learning, or daily living skills.
Autism is not a single condition with one cause. Instead, it involves complex interactions between genetics, brain development, and environmental influences.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Symptoms of autism typically appear in early childhood, often before the age of three. Because autism affects people differently, signs can vary widely from person to person.
Common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder may include:
Communication Differences
Delayed speech or language development
Limited verbal communication or being nonverbal
Difficulty understanding tone, sarcasm, or body language
Social Interaction Challenges
Difficulty making eye contact
Trouble understanding social cues
Challenges forming or maintaining friendships
Repetitive Behaviors
Repeating certain words or phrases
Engaging in repetitive movements
Following strict routines or becoming distressed when routines change
Sensory Sensitivities
Strong reactions to lights, sounds, textures, or smells
Unusual responses to sensory input
These traits can vary in severity. Some individuals may need minimal support, while others may require ongoing assistance in daily life.
Types and Levels of Autism
Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning individuals can experience different levels of support needs.
Some people with autism are considered high-functioning, meaning they may live independently, attend college, and maintain careers. Others may have significant communication or cognitive challenges and require lifelong care.
Historically, diagnoses such as Asperger’s syndrome were used to describe individuals with strong language and cognitive skills but significant social challenges. Today, these presentations are typically categorized within autism spectrum disorder.
Understanding the range of autism helps clinicians and families develop personalized support plans, therapies, and educational approaches.
What Causes Autism?
Scientists do not yet know a single cause of autism. Research suggests that multiple biological and environmental factors contribute to the development of ASD.
Some of the key areas scientists are studying include:
Genetics
Research shows that gene variations can increase the risk of autism. These genetic differences may influence how the brain develops and functions.
Brain Development
Differences in early brain development may affect how neurons communicate with one another.
Environmental Influences
While genetics play an important role, environmental factors may also contribute to autism risk during early development.
Understanding how these factors interact is one of the most important goals of autism research today.
Autism Research at the Lieber Institute
Lieber Institute researchers are studying gene variations that we know contribute to the risk and severity of autism.
In particular, they’ve examined a rare disorder called Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome that is caused by a genetic mutation that alters brain function. LIBD scientists also have found that people with ASD have a cellular abnormality that impairs the production of myelin, a fatty substance that creates an insulative sheath around nerve fibers in the brain that allows them to communicate with each other efficiently. Producing myelin is part of a biological process critical to early brain development.