Recognizing Autism

There is a lot of confusion about autism. Some of this confusion stems from popular misconceptions about the disorder. There have been many portrayals of autism in movies and TV shows which play up certain easily acted stereotypes of the disease. The phenomenon of savant syndrome—where very rarely people with autistic disorder may have amazing abilities or talents—is easily dramatized into movies and stories. The diagnosis of autism was not even recognized until 1980, and the way in which it has been approached and diagnosed has shifted frequently since then. Autism is now conceived as a spectrum of disorder affecting social communication, defined by standardized assessments. However, it is important to recognize that the exact diagnostic features of Autism spectrum disorder continue to be a shifting target and source of controversy among doctors and researchers. What is not controversial is that autism begins early, under the age of 3. It is diagnosed more often in boys, at a rate of about 1/10 of all children. It is important to catch this disease in your toddler, because early therapy can lead to better disease treatment and social outcomes. Kids with autism may display these features:

• Problems with social interactions like eye contact, and facial expressions, or friendships with other toddlers
• Not knowing when and why to be happy or sad or otherwise to display appropriate emotion.
• Language problems such as delayed language, using words in idiosyncratic ways, or inability to sustain conversation
• Compulsive ritual following or repetitive actions or hand movements.

Autism can look like other disorders, including intellectual disability, language and learning disorders, ADHD, and dyslexia. A good evaluation will include investigation for these.

The cause of autism has not been figured out. Studies suggest it is genetic, and having a family member or parent with autism increases a child’s risk of the disease. Theoretically it is possible that some environmental or exposure could increase the risk for autism, but so far no causative link has been proven to a particular exposure.

Treatment for autism is diverse; the goal is to improve the patient’s social functioning and maximize development. This may include aggressive speech and occupational therapy, individualized learning support at school, and behavioral interventions from trained specialists. A specific therapy for autism called “Applied Behavioral Analysis” or ABA therapy is available at centers in most major cities, though Medicaid does not currently pay for this specific treatment.

If you would like to know more about autism, or you are concerned that your child has autism, come to the Lone Star Family Health Center!

Dr. McDonough is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.