Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development and the term "spectrum" refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity. The former name of ASD is autism, and many people still use the term. But ASD includes several conditions within the spectrum. Read on to know more.

What is ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease typically diagnosed during childhood. It includes conditions that were previously considered separate — autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.

People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually causes problems functioning in society. There’s no cure for ASD, but with intensive, early treatment the symptoms may lessen over time.

Symptoms

Each child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior and level of severity — from low functioning to high functioning. Below are some common signs shown by people who have autism spectrum disorder.

• Social communication and interaction skills can be challenging.

• Restricted or repetitive behaviours or interest that can seem unusual.

• Other related characteristics such as delayed language skills, movement skills, or learning skills, lack of fear, anxiety, stress, epilepsy or seizure disorder, gastrointestinal issues etc.