Topic 2: Summary

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means it can present in a variety of different ways in a variety of different people.

There are five diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5™). All must be present in order for a doctor to make a diagnosis of ASD. They are: (1) persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts; (2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; (3) symptoms must be present in early developmental period; (4) symptoms must cause clinically significant impairment; and (5) symptoms must not be better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay.

The CDC reports that children with autism first show symptoms of the disorder before they are two years old, but the average age of diagnosis for children with autism is 4 years old. The signs and symptoms of ASD can be divided into two main categories: social/communication deficits and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviors.

Some examples of symptoms related to social/communication deficits for people with autism are: difficulty maintaining and/or lack of eye contact and difficulties with speech and language skills. Examples of symptoms related to restricted/repetitive interests of those with autism are repetitive movements or words and inflexibility about routines. Other examples of symptoms for people on the spectrum may include hyperactivity and sensory issues.

Getting a formal diagnosis of ASD is a two-part process. The first step is a developmental screening, which should take place at all children's' 18-month and 24-month well-visits with their pediatricians. If the result is positive, the next step is to be referred to a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, which should involve a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to evaluate a child and develop a treatment plan.

People with autism may also be diagnosed with other, comorbid mental and physical health conditions. Those with autism are more likely than other children to have such mental health conditions as ADHD and depression, as well as physical health conditions like gastrointestinal issues (chronic constipation, diarrhea, GERD), and issues with sleeping.

There are a number of intervention methods that have been used successfully with adults and children with autism, although no one method works for all people with autism. 

In the next Topic, you will learn about how to make your library autism friendly.