It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way a person interacts with the world. It causes difficulties with socialization, communication and behavior.
Despite advances in neuroscience and genetics, it has not yet been possible to establish a model that explains the causes of autism.
It manifests with language delay, lack of eye contact, lack of interest in other people, lack of response when their name is called, repetition of words or textual phrases, repetitive movements and rituals.
Because of the unique combination of symptoms presented by each infant, it is sometimes difficult to determine severity. In general, it is based on the level of impairment and how it affects the ability to function.
Diagnosis is made with a complete medical history, neurological examination, and testing of social, cognitive and language skills.
The goal of treatment is to maximize the person's ability to function in society by reducing symptoms and supporting the development and learning of social skills.
- Laura Weissman, MD. Autism spectrum disorder: Screening tools. UpToDate. May 05, 2022
- Marilyn Augustyn, MDL Erik von Hahn, MD. Autism spectrum disorder: Clinical features. UpToDate. Aug 02, 2021.
- Marilyn Augustyn, MDL Erik von Hahn, MD. Autism spectrum disorder: Evaluation and diagnosis. UpToDate. May 16, 2022.
- Laura Weissman, MD. Autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents: Overview of management. UpToDate. Dec 19, 2019.
