Autism Spectrum Disorder

Definition

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most profound developmental disorders in childhood. The main symptoms of autism spectrum disorder are difficult social interaction and communication. Autism spectrum disorder is divided into two forms: Early childhood autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

These two forms are distinguished on the basis of age and symptoms. While early childhood autism usually develops within the first three years of life, Asperger’s syndrome only occurs after the fourth year of life. In contrast to early childhood autism, which is associated with reduced intelligence, the Asperger syndrome has a normal to high intelligence quotient.

Causes

According to current scientific studies, a genetic component plays a particularly important role in the causes of autism spectrum disorder. It has been shown that siblings of a child with autism have an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. Affected parents also often pass the disease on to their children.

In addition to hereditary components, environmental factors are discussed as a cause. However, there are still no reliable scientific studies on this. For a long time it was assumed that there is a connection between autism and mumps vaccination. Today this can be refuted by large, reliable studies! There is no connection!

Diagnosis

To be able to make a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, other mental illnesses and developmental disorders must first be excluded, i.e. autism spectrum disorder is an exclusion diagnosis. Important diagnostic criteria are clinical symptoms and the age of the child. A distinction can be made between early childhood autism and Aperger’s syndrome.

Differences can be found next to the age of the disease, by assessing the language. While Asperger’s patients are usually very eloquent and appear very eloquent in relation to their peers, the typical patient with early childhood autism has language problems and speaks worse than his peers. or child development

Symptoms

The symptoms can vary from patient to patient and be of varying severity. The first thing that is usually noticeable is a communication disorder with other people. People with Autism Spectrum Disorders show themselves to be not so good communicators.

The conversation is often unemotional and people with autism spectrum disorder usually have a neutral facial expression, which can be difficult for conversation partners. Children with autism often show special talents and are highly gifted in these subjects. Interest in other things, such as hobbies or playing with other children, is lacking.

Compared to their peers, children with autism show a higher intelligence quotient, which is typical for Asperger’s syndrome. Above all linguistically these children are very far developed and can express themselves very selected. Different from early childhood autism, these children are more likely to show a reduced intelligence quotient and underdeveloped linguistic abilities.

Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder tend to develop other mental disorders such as depression and tic disorders over the course of their lives. In addition, these people may develop obsessive-compulsive disorders or anxiety disorders. Children may also suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Schizophrenia, with symptoms such as social withdrawal, delusions and hallucinations is also associated with autism spectrum disorders.