Q. Are all people with autism affected in the same way?
A: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) make up a group of developmental dis-abilities that affect social, communication and behavioral abilities. They are called "spectrum disorders" because they affect each person in a different way, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.
There are three different types of ASDs: autistic disorder (also called "classic" autism), Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specific (PDD-NOS).
People with autistic disorder usually have trouble with communication and social interaction. They also often have language delays, unusual behaviors and learning disabilities. People with Asperger syndrome often have milder symptoms. They may have impaired social skills but often don't have problems with language or learning. Those with PDD-NOS might have some of the symptoms of classic autism but not enough to be diagnosed.
Q: I've heard that autism can be caused by bad parenting. Is there any truth to that?
A: No. Researchers don't know exactly what causes ASDs, but they do know it has nothing to do with how a child is raised. Research has exposed some risk factors, however. For example, children with a sibling or parent with an ASD are at higher risk. So are boys, as well as children with certain genetic disorders.
Researchers continue to search for answers, and they are looking at everything from brain chemistry, to maternal and paternal age at birth, to birth order, to genetic and environmental factors.
Q: Is there a medical test used to diag-nose autism?
A: There is no standard medical test used to detect autism, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Doctors observe a child's behavior and development to diagnose autism.
Diagnosing an ASD involves two steps. The first step is a developmental screening. This short test is used to tell if a child is learning basic skills when he or she should, or if the child has delays. Children have developmental screenings at regular well-child visits.
The second step is a comprehensive evaluation. This is a thorough review of a child's development and behavior and might also include genetic testing, neurological testing and a hearing and vision screening.
ASDs can be diagnosed by age 18 months or younger, but by the time a child is age two, parents can consider an autism diagnosis to be very reliable. However, many children are diagnosed when they are much older.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, April 2013
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