Five Things You May Not Know About Autism 

There are a wide range of symptoms
Most people associate autism with a set number of symptoms. These may be anywhere along the lines of: stereotypy, rigidity, lack of social skills, etc. However; symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can vary widely depending on the individual. Symptoms of ASD generally fall on a spectrum, from mild to more severe. Most individuals display symptoms associated with communication skills, lacking certain social behaviors, problems with joint attention, and exhibiting repetitive behaviors.

Autism has a higher prevalence in boys than girls
It has been widely known that boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. In 2018, the Center for Disease Control determined that approximately 1 in 59 children were diagnosed with ASD; boys were four times more likely to be diagnosed. The prevalence rate for boys was 1 in 37 and 1 in 151 for girls.

Genetics play a role in autism diagnosis
Much research has gone into determining the cause of ASD and many studies have pointed to genetics playing a role. The first autism twin study was completed in 1977, after which, several studies have looked at comparing autism rates in twins. These research studies have shown that autism is highly heritable; there is an 80% higher chance that if one twin is diagnosed with ASD, the other identical twin will also receive an ASD diagnosis.

There may be early signs of autism in children as young as 12 months old
Children with autism are often diagnosed between the ages of 18 to 24 months of age, though the CDC reports that the median age of diagnosis for ASD is 3 years, 10 months. A new study shows that there may be biomarkers (early signs) of autism in 12-month-old infants, that indicate if a child will later develop ASD. This new research looked at brain patterns involved in behaviors such as having limited interests, repetitive movements and ritualistic/sameness behaviors. Early detection and diagnosis of ASD could help start interventions much earlier in these children.

Early intervention is extremely important
Although there is no cure for autism, early intervention can help children with ASD reach their full potential. There are many types of therapies available. Currently, applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the most effective, evidence-based approach to helping children with autism thrive in their environment. The earlier the child receives ABA, the more likely they are to show a reduction in maladaptive behaviors and an increase in other skills.

Neela Zalmay, M.ADS, BCBA
Associate Clinical Director, Bakersfield, CA
Tuesday, June 2, 2020