About Autism (ASD)
Comprehensive understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, symptoms, early diagnosis, and supportive methods to improve quality of life.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), scientifically known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. This disorder affects social skills, communication, behavior, and information processing.
The term "spectrum" in the name of this disorder is very important - meaning that symptoms, severity, and needs of people with autism can vary dramatically. At one end of the spectrum, a person may need significant support, while at the other end, there may be a person with fewer needs and higher functioning.
Autism is not a disease that can be "cured", but rather a difference in how the brain functions. Brain imaging research has shown that in people with autism, brain structure and function may be different. These differences can affect how information is processed, learned, and social interactions occur.
People with autism may have challenges in social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors or limited interests. They may also show unusual reactions to sensory stimuli (such as light, sound, touch, or smell) - some may be overly sensitive and others may be less sensitive.
However, it's important to know that autism doesn't always involve challenges. Many people with autism have unique strengths, such as:
- Ability to focus deeply on specific topics
- Precise and detail-oriented thinking
- Exceptional memory
- Honesty and truthfulness
- Creativity and different perspective on issues
Early diagnosis and appropriate interventions, such as behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, can have a significant impact on growth and improving the quality of life for people with autism. The earlier interventions begin, the better the results will be.
Important Note: With appropriate support and proper understanding, people with autism can learn new skills, build better communication, and lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Understanding the Autism Spectrum
Autism is a spectrum and each person with autism is unique
Level 1: Requiring Support
People at this level can usually function more independently but may need support in social situations. They may have difficulty communicating or have limited interests.
These people may have difficulty understanding social cues or initiating social interactions, but can function well with appropriate support.
Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support
People at this level need more substantial support in social interactions and communication. They may have significant difficulty understanding and using verbal and non-verbal language.
These people may show more obvious repetitive behaviors that can interfere with their daily functioning. With appropriate support, they can learn many skills.
Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support
People at this level need very substantial support. They may be very limited in verbal and non-verbal communication and show severe repetitive behaviors.
These people may need 24-hour support, but with appropriate interventions and strong support, they can acquire significant communication and social skills.
Note: Autism level classification is only for understanding support needs and should not be used to limit people. Each person with autism is unique and has their own specific abilities.
Important Statistics and Facts About Autism
Better understanding of the dimensions and prevalence of this disorder can help with early diagnosis and more effective support
Autism Prevalence
- • According to global statistics, approximately 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with autism
- • Autism is diagnosed 4 to 5 times more in boys than girls
- • This difference may be partly due to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis in girls
- • Autism is seen in all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups
- • The number of children diagnosed with autism has increased in recent years
Age of Diagnosis
- • Autism symptoms usually appear before age 3
- • Early diagnosis may be possible at 18 to 24 months
- • Average age of diagnosis is around 4 years
- • Early diagnosis is very important for better intervention outcomes
- • The earlier interventions begin, the better the results will be
Children with autism worldwide
Higher prevalence in boys than girls
Possible age for early diagnosis
Autism Symptoms in Children
Recognizing autism symptoms in children is essential for starting early interventions and improving their quality of life
Social and Communication Problems
- Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact for extended periods
- Not responding to their name by 9 months or later
- Not showing facial expressions or emotional reactions by 9 months
- Not pointing to objects or showing them by 14 months
- Not engaging in pretend or imaginative play by 18 months
- Difficulty understanding others' emotions and empathy
- Speech delay or not speaking
- Repeating words or phrases (echolalia) without understanding meaning
- Difficulty starting or continuing conversations
- Not using body language or gestures
- Difficulty understanding sarcasm, humor, or indirect phrases
- Unusual use of pronouns (e.g., saying "you" instead of "I")
Restricted and Repetitive Behavioral Patterns
- Repetitive movements such as hand flapping, spinning, or rocking
- Intense and focused interest in a specific topic and constant talking about it
- Need for fixed routines and severe distress from small changes
- Over- or under-sensitivity to sensory stimuli (light, sound, touch, smell, taste)
- Playing with toys in unusual ways (e.g., lining up, spinning, arranging in specific ways)
- Preferring solitude and not wanting to play with peers
- Intense interest in specific objects or parts of objects (e.g., car wheels)
- Stereotyped or ritualistic behaviors in daily activities
- Severe reactions to changes in environment or daily routine
- Difficulty in cooperative or social play
Important points in recognizing autism symptoms in children:
- • Symptoms must have appeared before age 3
- • Symptoms must be observable in social interactions and communication or repetitive behaviors
- • Symptoms must impair daily functioning
- • Early diagnosis can be made at 18 to 24 months
- • The earlier interventions begin, the better the results will be
Autism Symptoms in Adults
Autism in adults may appear differently than in children, but can still have significant impacts on life
Social and Communication Problems in Adults
- Difficulty understanding sarcasm, humor, irony, or indirect phrases
- Difficulty making and maintaining friendships and deep relationships
- Not understanding social cues or body language
- Difficulty expressing their own emotions or understanding others' emotions
- Preferring individual activities over group activities
- Difficulty maintaining two-way conversations and social interaction
- Difficulty understanding unwritten social rules
- May speak very directly or bluntly
- Difficulty reading facial expressions and emotional cues
Restricted and Repetitive Behavioral Patterns in Adults
- Intense and deep interest in specific topics that can become a profession or specialty
- Need for fixed routines and severe distress from changes or uncertainty
- Repetitive movements or stereotyped behaviors (which may be less visible)
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to loud sounds, bright lights, specific clothing textures)
- Difficulty adapting to new or unexpected situations
- Very logical and detail-oriented thinking
- Difficulty managing stress or anxiety
- Need for a lot of time to process information
Impacts of Autism in Adult Life:
Work Challenges:
- • Difficulty in job interviews
- • Difficulty in teamwork
- • Difficulty managing work relationships
- • But often excel in technical and specialized work
Relationship Challenges:
- • Difficulty forming romantic relationships
- • Difficulty understanding partner's needs
- • Difficulty expressing emotions
- • Need for space and time to process
Causes and Risk Factors of Autism
Understanding the causes of autism can help with more effective diagnosis and support
Genetic Factors
Research has shown that autism has a strong genetic basis. Studies show that if one identical twin has autism, the probability of autism in the other is 60 to 90 percent.
- Autism is hereditary among family members
- If one parent has autism, the child's risk of autism increases
- Several genes may play a role in autism
- Studies show that 80-90 percent of autism factors are hereditary
- Certain specific genetic mutations are associated with autism
Neurobiological Factors
Brain imaging research has shown that in people with autism, brain structure and function may be different. Areas related to social communication, sensory processing, and executive function may function differently.
- Differences in volume and activity of specific brain regions
- Different function of neural systems related to social communication
- Differences in sensory information processing
- Different function of neural networks related to empathy and social understanding
- Differences in white and gray matter structure
Environmental Factors
While genetic factors play the main role, some environmental factors can also increase the risk of autism.
- Exposure to toxins or chemicals during pregnancy
- Smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy
- Maternal infections during pregnancy
- Low birth weight or premature birth
- Metabolic disorders in the mother
Protective Factors
- Appropriate prenatal care
- Supportive and understanding family environment
- Early diagnosis and intervention
- Appropriate educational and social support
- Availability of therapeutic and support services
Important Note: No single factor or specific lifestyle alone causes autism. Autism is the result of complex interaction of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. It's important to know that vaccination does not cause autism - this is a false and scientifically disproven belief.
Autism Support and Treatment Methods
Autism treatment includes a wide range of interventions and supports tailored to individual needs
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA is one of the most common and effective methods for treating autism. This method is based on learning and behavior principles and helps people with autism learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.
ABA Benefits
- Teaching social and communication skills
- Reducing challenging behaviors
- Improving daily living skills
- Increasing individual independence
- Personalizing treatment plan for each individual
Implementation
- Accurate assessment of individual needs
- Creating personal treatment plan
- Teaching skills step by step
- Using positive reinforcement
- Continuous monitoring and program modification
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is very important for people with autism and helps improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This therapy can help people better express their needs, feelings, and thoughts.
Verbal Skills
- Improving pronunciation and speech clarity
- Increasing vocabulary
- Improving sentence structure
- Reducing echolalia
- Improving conversation skills
Non-verbal Skills
- Using body language and gestures
- Making eye contact
- Using images and signs
- Alternative communication (AAC)
- Understanding non-verbal cues
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps people with autism develop the necessary skills for independence in daily life. This includes motor, sensory, self-care, and executive skills.
Motor Skills
- Hand-eye coordination
- Fine motor skills
- Writing and drawing
- Play skills
Sensory Processing
- Reducing sensory sensitivities
- Improving sensory information processing
- Managing sensory reactions
- Sensory integration
Self-care Skills
- Dressing
- Eating
- Personal hygiene
- Organization
Other Support Methods
Music Therapy
Using music to improve communication, social, and emotional skills.
- Improving communication
- Reducing anxiety
- Increasing social interaction
Art Therapy
Using art to express emotions and improve communication skills.
- Expressing emotions
- Improving creativity
- Reducing stress
Physical Activity
Exercise and physical activity can help improve coordination, strength, and overall health.
- Improving coordination
- Reducing anxiety
- Increasing self-confidence
Group Therapy
Participating in therapy groups can help improve social skills.
- Improving social skills
- Learning from peers
- Practicing social interactions
Autism Intervention Success Rate
With appropriate and early interventions, people with autism can make significant progress. Research has shown that early and intensive intervention can help improve communication, social, and self-care skills.
It's important to note that autism treatment is a long-term process and requires patience, persistence, and continuous support. With appropriate interventions and strong support, people with autism can reach their full potential and lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Autism Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of autism requires comprehensive evaluation by a specialist team
Autism Diagnosis Process
1. Comprehensive Evaluation
Autism diagnosis should be performed by a specialist team including child psychiatrist, psychologist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist.
- Interview with parents and family
- Review of developmental and medical history
- Evaluation of social and communication skills
- Review of repetitive and restricted behaviors
- Evaluation of sensory processing
2. Diagnostic Criteria
Autism diagnosis is based on DSM-5 criteria:
- Persistent problems in social interactions and communication
- Restricted and repetitive behavioral patterns
- Symptoms must have appeared in early development
- Symptoms must impair daily functioning
- Symptoms should not be better explained by other disorders
3. Tests and Questionnaires
Standard tests and questionnaires may be used:
- ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
- ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)
- Parent and teacher questionnaires
- Intelligence and cognitive skills assessment
Why is early diagnosis important?
- Early diagnosis can be made at 18 to 24 months
- Early intervention can lead to better outcomes
- Diagnosis can help access services and support
- Diagnosis can help better family understanding of child's needs
Supporting People with Autism in Daily Life
Practical strategies for supporting people with autism at home, school, and community
Support at Home
- Creating routine and clear structure for daily activities
- Using visual schedules to help understanding
- Creating calm and predictable space
- Reducing distracting stimuli
- Using visual guides and signs
- Creating safe space for rest
- Teaching self-care skills step by step
Support at School
- Creating individualized education programs (IEP)
- Using visual guides and images
- Creating predictable classroom environment
- Direct teaching of social skills
- Supporting teachers and school staff
- Creating social skills groups
- Close collaboration with family
Communication Strategies
- Using images and signs
- Speaking clearly and directly
- Giving time for processing
- Using concrete examples
Sensory Management
- Creating calm space
- Using sensory tools
- Planning for sensory breaks
- Understanding individual sensory needs
Social Support
- Learning social skills
- Support groups
- Social interaction opportunities
- Understanding and acceptance by community
Ready for Autism Diagnosis and Support?
At Ayandeh Clinic, with our expert team and experience, we're ready to help you and your loved ones with accurate diagnosis and effective autism support. Early diagnosis and appropriate interventions can make a big difference in the life of someone with autism.
Successful Patients
Patient Satisfaction
Years of Experience