18/06/2026
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, together with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Key Features
1. Social Communication Difficulties
* Poor eye contact
* Difficulty understanding social cues and emotions
* Delayed speech or language development
* Difficulty maintaining conversations
* Preference for solitary activities
2. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
* Repetitive movements (hand flapping, rocking, spinning)
* Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
* Strong adherence to routines
* Intense focus on specific interests
* Distress with changes in routine
3. Sensory Abnormalities
* Over- or under-sensitivity to:
* Sound
* Light
* Touch
* Taste
* Smell
Risk Factors
* Family history of ASD
* Advanced parental age
* Certain genetic syndromes (e.g., Fragile X Syndrome)
* Prenatal exposure to some medications or infections
Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis based on developmental history and behavioral assessment.
Common screening tools:
* M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)
* ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
Management
There is no cure, but early intervention improves outcomes:
* Speech and language therapy
* Occupational therapy
* Behavioral therapy (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis)
* Social skills training
* Educational support
* Management of associated conditions (ADHD, anxiety, epilepsy)
Associated Conditions
* Intellectual disability
* ADHD
* Anxiety disorders
* Sleep disorders
* Epilepsy
Red Flags in Children
* No babbling by 12 months
* No single words by 16 months
* No two-word phrases by 24 months
* Loss of previously acquired language or social skills
* Poor response to name
Think of ASD as:
“Impaired social communication + restricted/repetitive behaviors + sensory differences beginning in early childhood.”
