With early and appropriate support, many children with ASD grow up to lead independent and productive lives.
Autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in the first years of life. In
many cases, it will not be diagnosed until the age of 3.
ASD can compromise your
communication and social skills to varying degrees. The effect depends on where
your autism is in the severity range. It can range from mild (asperger's
syndrome) to severe. People with mild ASD are usually fully functional in their
daily lives and society. People with more severe forms of ASD may require
lifelong ongoing care and support.
Handling ASD alone can
be challenging. This is true for both patients and caregivers. Other diseases
and problems often accompany autism spectrum disorders. These additional
diseases and complications may increase the challenges of managing ASD.
Complications of autism
If you have autism, you
may experience sensory problems, seizures, mental health disorders, or other
complications.
Sensory issues
If you have autism, you
may be very sensitive to sensory input. Something as common as loud noise or
bright lights can cause you severe emotional discomfort. Alternatively, you may
not react to certain sensations at all, such as extreme heat, cold, or pain.
Seizures
Epilepsy is common in
patients with ASD. They usually begin in childhood or adolescence.
Mental health problems
Having ASD puts you at
risk for depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, and mood swings.
Mental disorders
Many people with ASD
have some degree of mental disorder. Children with fragile x syndrome are more
likely to develop ASD. This syndrome is caused by a defect in part of the X
chromosome. This is a common cause of mental disorders, especially in boys.
Tumor
Tuberous sclerosis is a
rare disease that causes benign tumors to grow in your organs, including your
brain. The link between tuberous sclerosis and ASD is unclear. However, the
incidence of ASD in children with tuberous sclerosis is much higher than in
children who do not have the disease. Centers for disease control and prevention.
Other complications
Other problems that may
accompany ASD include aggression, unusual sleep habits, unusual eating habits,
and digestive problems.
Challenges for caregivers
If you are caring for a child or adult with ASD, it is also
important to take care of yourself. Many caregivers experience stress and lack
of sleep. This can lead to nursing lapses. Taking care of your health through
good nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise is just as important to you as
the people you care for.
Asking others for help
and accepting it when needed is also an important part of caregiving. If you
find it difficult to meet your need for care, consult your doctor. They may
provide strategies or resources to help you cope.
Long-term outlook
With early and
appropriate support, many children with ASD grow up to lead independent and
productive lives. Early intervention programs, medications to help control
symptoms and complications, and supportive settings can create a promising
future for people with ASD.
If you suspect that you
or your child has ASD, consult your doctor.