Autism: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Autism | |||
| image = [[File:Temple_Grandin_at_TED.jpg|alt=Temple Grandin at TED]] | |||
| image_size = 250px | |||
| alt = Temple Grandin at TED | |||
| caption = Temple Grandin, a prominent individual with autism | |||
| field = [[Psychiatry]], [[Pediatrics]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Social communication]] difficulties, [[repetitive behaviors]], restricted interests | |||
| onset = Early childhood | |||
| duration = Lifelong | |||
| causes = [[Genetic factors]], [[environmental factors]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[genetic disorders]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[behavioral assessment]] | |||
| differential = [[Intellectual disability]], [[hearing impairment]], [[ADHD]] | |||
| treatment = [[Behavioral therapy]], [[speech therapy]], [[occupational therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Antipsychotics]], [[antidepressants]], [[stimulants]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; some individuals achieve independence | |||
| frequency = 1 in 54 children in the United States | |||
| deaths = Not directly, but associated with [[comorbid conditions]] | |||
}} | |||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Autism}} | {{DISPLAYTITLE:Autism}} | ||
'''Autism''', or '''autism spectrum disorder''' (ASD), is a [[neurodevelopmental disorder]] characterized by challenges with [[social interaction]], [[communication]], and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. | '''Autism''', or '''autism spectrum disorder''' (ASD), is a [[neurodevelopmental disorder]] characterized by challenges with [[social interaction]], [[communication]], and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. | ||
==Characteristics== | ==Characteristics== | ||
[[File:Autistic-sweetiepie-boy-with-ducksinarow.jpg|A young boy with autism arranging toys|thumb|left]] | [[File:Autistic-sweetiepie-boy-with-ducksinarow.jpg|A young boy with autism arranging toys|thumb|left]] | ||
Autism is primarily characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These symptoms typically appear in early childhood and can vary widely in severity. | Autism is primarily characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These symptoms typically appear in early childhood and can vary widely in severity. | ||
===Social Communication=== | ===Social Communication=== | ||
Individuals with autism often have difficulty understanding social cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice. They may struggle with forming friendships and engaging in typical social interactions. Some may be nonverbal, while others may have advanced language skills but still find it challenging to engage in back-and-forth conversation. | Individuals with autism often have difficulty understanding social cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice. They may struggle with forming friendships and engaging in typical social interactions. Some may be nonverbal, while others may have advanced language skills but still find it challenging to engage in back-and-forth conversation. | ||
===Repetitive Behaviors=== | ===Repetitive Behaviors=== | ||
Repetitive behaviors can include hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases. Many individuals with autism have a strong preference for routines and may become distressed by changes in their environment or daily schedule. | Repetitive behaviors can include hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases. Many individuals with autism have a strong preference for routines and may become distressed by changes in their environment or daily schedule. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
[[File:Autism_susceptibility_genes_effect_on_brain_structure.png|Genetic factors affecting brain structure in autism|thumb| | [[File:Autism_susceptibility_genes_effect_on_brain_structure.png|Genetic factors affecting brain structure in autism|thumb|left]] | ||
The exact cause of autism is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has identified several genes associated with autism, and studies suggest that autism can result from disruptions in normal brain development early in life. | The exact cause of autism is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has identified several genes associated with autism, and studies suggest that autism can result from disruptions in normal brain development early in life. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Autism is diagnosed based on behavioral observations and developmental history. There is no medical test for autism, such as a blood test. Diagnosis is typically made by a team of specialists, including psychologists, neurologists, and speech therapists. | Autism is diagnosed based on behavioral observations and developmental history. There is no medical test for autism, such as a blood test. Diagnosis is typically made by a team of specialists, including psychologists, neurologists, and speech therapists. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
[[File:James_arranging_brads.jpg|A child with autism engaging in a focused activity|thumb|left]] | [[File:James_arranging_brads.jpg|A child with autism engaging in a focused activity|thumb|left]] | ||
There is no cure for autism, but various interventions can help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Early intervention is crucial and can include therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy. | There is no cure for autism, but various interventions can help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Early intervention is crucial and can include therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
[[File:US_autism_6_17_1996-2007.svg|Prevalence of autism in the United States from 1996 to 2007|thumb| | [[File:US_autism_6_17_1996-2007.svg|Prevalence of autism in the United States from 1996 to 2007|thumb|left]] | ||
The prevalence of autism has increased significantly over the past few decades. This rise is partly attributed to changes in diagnostic criteria and increased awareness. Autism affects individuals worldwide, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. | The prevalence of autism has increased significantly over the past few decades. This rise is partly attributed to changes in diagnostic criteria and increased awareness. Autism affects individuals worldwide, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. | ||
==Notable Individuals== | ==Notable Individuals== | ||
[[File:Greta_Thunberg_in_2022.jpg|Greta Thunberg, an environmental activist with autism|thumb|left]] | [[File:Greta_Thunberg_in_2022.jpg|Greta Thunberg, an environmental activist with autism|thumb|left]] | ||
Several individuals with autism have gained prominence for their contributions to society. Temple Grandin, an animal behavior expert, and Greta Thunberg, a climate activist, are notable examples of individuals who have used their unique perspectives to make significant impacts. | Several individuals with autism have gained prominence for their contributions to society. Temple Grandin, an animal behavior expert, and Greta Thunberg, a climate activist, are notable examples of individuals who have used their unique perspectives to make significant impacts. | ||
==Related Conditions== | ==Related Conditions== | ||
[[File:Overlapping_clinical_phenotypes_in_genes_associated_with_monogenic_forms_of_autism_spectrum_disorder_(ASD),_dystonia,_epilepsy_and_schizophrenia.svg|Overlap of genetic factors in autism and other conditions|thumb| | [[File:Overlapping_clinical_phenotypes_in_genes_associated_with_monogenic_forms_of_autism_spectrum_disorder_(ASD),_dystonia,_epilepsy_and_schizophrenia.svg|Overlap of genetic factors in autism and other conditions|thumb|left]] | ||
Autism often co-occurs with other conditions, such as [[attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]] (ADHD), [[anxiety disorders]], and [[epilepsy]]. Understanding these comorbidities is important for providing comprehensive care. | Autism often co-occurs with other conditions, such as [[attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]] (ADHD), [[anxiety disorders]], and [[epilepsy]]. Understanding these comorbidities is important for providing comprehensive care. | ||
==Research== | ==Research== | ||
[[File:Opening_a_window_to_the_autistic_brain.jpg|Research into the autistic brain|thumb|left]] | [[File:Opening_a_window_to_the_autistic_brain.jpg|Research into the autistic brain|thumb|left]] | ||
Ongoing research aims to better understand the causes of autism and develop more effective interventions. Studies focus on genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, as well as the development of new therapies. | Ongoing research aims to better understand the causes of autism and develop more effective interventions. Studies focus on genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, as well as the development of new therapies. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Neurodevelopmental disorder]] | * [[Neurodevelopmental disorder]] | ||
* [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]] | * [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]] | ||
* [[Speech therapy]] | * [[Speech therapy]] | ||
* [[Occupational therapy]] | * [[Occupational therapy]] | ||
[[Category:Autism]] | [[Category:Autism]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:52, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Autism | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Early childhood |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic factors, environmental factors |
| Risks | Family history, genetic disorders |
| Diagnosis | Based on behavioral assessment |
| Differential diagnosis | Intellectual disability, hearing impairment, ADHD |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy |
| Medication | Antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants |
| Prognosis | Varies; some individuals achieve independence |
| Frequency | 1 in 54 children in the United States |
| Deaths | Not directly, but associated with comorbid conditions |
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
Characteristics[edit]
Autism is primarily characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These symptoms typically appear in early childhood and can vary widely in severity.
Social Communication[edit]
Individuals with autism often have difficulty understanding social cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice. They may struggle with forming friendships and engaging in typical social interactions. Some may be nonverbal, while others may have advanced language skills but still find it challenging to engage in back-and-forth conversation.
Repetitive Behaviors[edit]
Repetitive behaviors can include hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases. Many individuals with autism have a strong preference for routines and may become distressed by changes in their environment or daily schedule.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of autism is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has identified several genes associated with autism, and studies suggest that autism can result from disruptions in normal brain development early in life.
Diagnosis[edit]
Autism is diagnosed based on behavioral observations and developmental history. There is no medical test for autism, such as a blood test. Diagnosis is typically made by a team of specialists, including psychologists, neurologists, and speech therapists.
Management[edit]
There is no cure for autism, but various interventions can help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Early intervention is crucial and can include therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy.
Epidemiology[edit]
The prevalence of autism has increased significantly over the past few decades. This rise is partly attributed to changes in diagnostic criteria and increased awareness. Autism affects individuals worldwide, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
Notable Individuals[edit]
Several individuals with autism have gained prominence for their contributions to society. Temple Grandin, an animal behavior expert, and Greta Thunberg, a climate activist, are notable examples of individuals who have used their unique perspectives to make significant impacts.
Related Conditions[edit]
Autism often co-occurs with other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. Understanding these comorbidities is important for providing comprehensive care.
Research[edit]
Ongoing research aims to better understand the causes of autism and develop more effective interventions. Studies focus on genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, as well as the development of new therapies.
,_dystonia,_epilepsy_and_schizophrenia.svg){kind=link}
