Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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What is Autism?

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders caused by abnormalities in the brain.  The autism/ASD spectrum is very broad.

The variety of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses vary in the severity of the individual symptoms. It varies from classical autism where the child has a delay of speech development to a milder form of autism where the child has no delay in speech development as in the case of Asperger Syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

Autism Spectrum Disorder tends to be more common in boys than in girls.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is basically characterized by 3 areas of abnormalities. They are:

 

  • Social interaction impairments
  • Communication difficulties
  • Repetitive and Stereotyped patterns of behavior

 

What causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

 

Till date, scientists aren’t certain about what exactly causes Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, researchers have identified that Autism has a strong genetic basisControversies surround other proposed environmental causes, such as heavy metals, pesticides or childhood vaccines. The vaccine hypotheses are biologically implausible and have been dis-proven in scientific studies.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Singapore

 

While a high percentage of Autism Spectrum Disorder is idiopathic (no medical causes), ASD can also be secondary to a medical condition. Secondary ASD refers to cases associated with a medical condition or genetic abnormality.

Conditions associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder include:

 

  • Fragile X syndrome
  • Soto syndrome
  • Tuberous Sclerosis
  • Mitochondrial disorder
  • Other chromosomal abnormalities

 

Coexisting issues

 

Autism can coexist with other medical conditions or learning difficulties. Some of the more common coexisting conditions include:

 

  • Dyslexia
  • Hyperlexia
  • Mental retardation
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivities Disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Depression secondary to autism
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Epilepsy 

 

Prognosis

 

Prognosis in a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder depends on a variety of outcomes such as communication skills, cognitive skills, self-care skills, and independent living skills.

Studies suggested that a lack of early joint attention and imitation as well as failure to develop functional speech by 5 years of age were predictive of poor outcomes.

 

How can Therapy Alliance SG help?

 

If you suspect your child is showing one or more of the above-mentioned 3 areas of abnormalities, do not hesitate to contact us for a no-obligation discussion on your child’s condition with our therapist/specialist before deciding to perform an Autism Test for a complete analysis of your child.

Email us any inquiries and we will be most glad to offer our best advice.

 

Contact Us To Learn About Autism Today!