Published December 29, 2023 | Version 1

Everything We Need to Know about Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • 1. Department of Pediatrics, AVBRH, Sawangi, Wardha , Pin code 442001.
  • 1. Department of Pediatrics, AVBRH, Sawangi, Wardha , Pin code 442001.
  • 2. Department of Pediatrics, AVBRH, Sawangi, Wardha , Pin code 442001

Description

Autism  Spectrum  Disorder(ASD)  is  a  complex 
neurodevelopmental    condition    characterized 
by  deficits  in  social  interaction,  communication 
difficulties and repetitive behaviors that profoundly 
impacts the lives of affected individuals and their 
families  .This  article  provides  comprehensive 
overview   of   ASD,   focusing   on   screening, 
diagnosis and intervention strategies.
Early signs of ASD can manifest as early as six 
months,  but  parents  may  not  recognize  them 
until  their  child  falls  behind  in  meeting  social 
milestones. This delay in recognition is often due 
to a lack of awareness, societal stigma and limited 
knowledge  about  developmental  and  behavioral 
disorders.
Globally,   ASD   prevalence   is   on   the   rise, 
potentially  due  to  broader  diagnostic  criteria, 
increased  awareness  and  improved  screening 
practices. Screening for ASD is crucial for early 
identification   and   intervention.   Various   tools 
are  available  such  as  Modified  Checklist  for 
Autism   in   Toddlers   (M-CHAT),   Trivandrum 
Autism  Behavioral  Checklist  (TABC)and  the 
Social   Communication   Questionnaire   (SCQ) 
.Diagnosing  ASD   involves   using   established 
criteria   such   as   the   DSM-5(Diagnostic   and 
Statistical  Manual  of  Mental  Disorders,  Fifth 
Edition)  and  specific  diagnostic  tools  like  the 
Autism     Diagnostic     Observation     Schedule 
(ADOS) and the Indian Scale for the Assessment 
of Autism (ISAA).
Interventions       for       ASD       should       be 
multidisciplinary,  involving  professionals  such 
as   developmental   pediatrician,   psychologist, 
special educators, occupational therapist, speech 
therapist  and  social  workers.  Applied  Behavior 
Analysis(ABA),Naturalistic         Developmental 
Behavioral   Interventions(NDBIs)   and   parent 
mediated treatment are among the evidence based 
approaches.
Additionally,   speech-language   therapy,   motor 
therapies  and  sensory  integration  therapy  play 
vital  roles  in  addressing  the  diverse  needs  of 
individuals  with  ASD.  Medical  interventions 
should   be   used   alongside   behavioral   and 
environmental strategies.
Early  screening  accurate  diagnosis  and  tailored 
interventions are essential for improving the lives 
of   individuals   with  ASD.A   multidisciplinary 
approach  and  increased  awareness  are  crucial 
in  addressing  the  growing  prevalence  of  ASD 
worldwide.

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Additional details

Dates

Accepted
2023-12-29

References

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