Medically Reviewed By Sonam Kothari, Written By Tejasvi Parekh
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that leads to deficits in social communication and repetitive, restricted patterns of behaviour. It is usually characterised by differences found in the development of the brain.
It was Leo Kanner, who in 1943 went on to publish the first organised description of infantile autism. Kanner claimed infantile autism to be innate, a courageous hypothesis against the dominant view of Freudian Psychology and the ideas of ‘poor parenting’ and ‘frigid mothers’ to be some of the causes of this disorder.
Since 1943, science has taken numerous leaps and notable progress has been made to understand the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research evidence suggests that the disorder exists on the spectrum, that is, it consists of a diverse range of conditions.
It can be difficult to define "recovery" in the context of autism. For some, it means they no longer fit the criteria for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
For others, it may entail reaching a functioning level that, despite residual symptoms, permits independent life, fulfilling relationships, and productive work.
This functional viewpoint is frequently chosen because it recognises the variability within the spectrum and places more emphasis on useful results than strict diagnostic classifications.
Within the scientific and autism communities, the idea of recovery in autism is both fascinating and controversial, with many interpretations and important problems.
In this context, "recovery" usually means that an individual's autistic symptoms have significantly decreased or completely disappeared, enabling them to function on par with their neurotypical peers. However, there are many controversies and complications around the phrase itself.
Crucially, the focus on recovery may unintentionally imply that having an autism spectrum condition is undesirable, which runs counter to the neurodiversity movement's support of acknowledging and comprehending autism as a normal variety of human neurology.
It is crucial to assist people in realising their full potential and enjoying satisfying lives while appreciating their distinct skills and abilities, as opposed to concentrating only on recovery.
Essentially, autism recovery is neither a universal aim nor a concrete destination, even though it is still a possibility for individuals.
Since each person with autism has a unique journey, success should be determined by personal development, well-being, and quality of life rather than by the lack of a diagnosis.
A 2012 study examined the records of nearly 1,400 children diagnosed with autism in four states. It found that 4 per cent lost their diagnosis by age 8, though almost all of these children had another diagnosis, such as ADHD or developmental delay, and most received special education.
This study couldn't determine if these children benefited from early intervention or were misdiagnosed.
Another study by Stephen J. Blumberg used surveys of over 40,000 parents of children with special health care needs, identifying 1,500 children with autism diagnoses.
It found that 13 per cent had lost their autism diagnosis. These children had milder initial symptoms and were often diagnosed by non-specialists. Some parents attributed the change to new information or successful treatment, while others suggested initial over-diagnosis to access services.
A larger clinical study from Weill Cornell Medical College followed 85 children over nearly two decades, finding that 9 per cent had shed their autism diagnosis by age 19, fully participating in social activities.
Early diagnosis and intervention appear crucial. Children diagnosed at or before 30 months were more likely to lose their diagnosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend regular developmental surveillance and autism screenings at 18 and 24 months.
Early identification and intervention are vital for the best outcomes, urging parents to monitor their child’s development and seek help promptly and closely.
With the dynamic nature of the condition, intervention and treatment strategies are designed to cater to the unique needs of the individual and rarely are the same for two or more people. This complexity and heterogeneity of the disorder suggest that there is no single cure available for the condition.
The symptoms of ASD can range from sensory issues, and echolalia (repetition of words and phrases) to other much severe impairments in cognitive and motor functioning. These symptoms can manifest in different ways in different individuals.
Therefore, the underlying principle regarding the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is to target these diverse causes in an individual.
This means that autism isn't a one-fit-for-all condition. Research states that certain treatments can work to alleviate the symptoms of autism. For example, riluzole can be used as a treatment for some ASD patients, but it isn’t universal.
While there is no single cure for autism, treating co-occurring medical issues and tailoring interventions to individual needs can lead to substantial improvements.
Other therapeutic intervention strategies are also implemented and proven to be effective for ASD symptoms. Seeking timely assistance through various evidence-based psychological intervention programmes can help improve social communication.
It’s crucial that after an individual is diagnosed with autism, they, as well as, their caregivers/loved ones, get the appropriate help, care, and support that will cater for their unique needs as they grow and change.
Rather than cure, the primary goals for intervention and treatment programmes of autism are to minimise the disturbance in behaviour, reduce the symptoms and improve social and occupational functioning.
Autism “recovery” refers to significant improvements in symptoms, allowing individuals to function comparably to their neurotypical peers. Key signs of potential recovery include:
These signs often result from early and intensive interventions. However, it's essential to recognize that even with significant improvements, ongoing support may be necessary, and each individual’s journey with autism is unique.
Therapies and Interventions
Traditionally, autism has been viewed as a single disorder with a broad range of symptoms and severities, leading to attempts to find a universal treatment or cure.
However, this approach often falls short because it fails to account for the underlying biological diversity among individuals with autism.
Recognising the heterogeneity of the disorder allows researchers and clinicians to tailor interventions to the specific needs of different levels of autism, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aim to aid in —
Healthcare providers suggest that intervention for ASD should be provided as early as possible. Early intervention results in several positive outcomes for the autistic individual.
By identifying and thereby addressing the challenges that a child with autism faces, a tailored intervention strategy can be provided that will optimise the developmental potential of the child.
The early stages of one's life are periods of critical brain development. Therefore, the intervention program can target areas of difficulty such as communication skills, social skills, learning, speech and other behavioural patterns during the critical period of development.
Early intervention minimizes delays and helps a child reach their development milestones at an appropriate time.
Adolescents with ADHD are given medications so that they can cope with other conditions that are comorbid with ASD, such as attention deficiency hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or depression.
Other intervention strategies include —
Today, research is exploring how dietary modification as well as providing a certain type of living environment (low-stimulation environment in particular) can have a positive impact on people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Another research area of interest related to ASD includes the detection of ASD in pregnancy, understanding the role of genetics in ASD and the potential of cord blood-derived therapies.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is categorised as a mental condition by psychiatry. Opponents of autism rights as well as researchers dispute this. They have declared that autism should be viewed as a normal component of human neurodiversity, particularly high-functioning autism.
Consequently, rather than attempting to alter or cure autistic persons, the viewpoint has concentrated on how accommodating them is essential. Furthermore, they assert that barriers faced by individuals with autism are not a result of intrinsic personal shortcomings but rather of societal systems.
The field of autism spectrum disorder research has advanced significantly, and attempts are still being made to comprehend the illness's complexity.
