Problems That May Accompany Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sensory Problems
When children's perceptions are accurate, they can
learn from what they see, feel, or hear. On the other hand, if
sensory information is faulty, the child's experiences of the world
can be confusing. Many ASD children are highly attuned or even
painfully sensitive to certain sounds, textures, tastes, and smells.
Some children find the feel of clothes touching their skin almost
unbearable. Some sounds—a vacuum cleaner, a ringing telephone, a
sudden storm, even the sound of waves lapping the shoreline—will
cause these children to cover their ears and scream.
In ASD, the brain seems unable to balance the senses
appropriately. Some ASD children are oblivious to extreme cold or
pain. An ASD child may fall and break an arm, yet never cry. Another
may bash his head against a wall and not wince, but a light touch
may make the child scream with alarm.
Mental Retardation
Many children with ASD have some degree of mental
impairment. When tested, some areas of ability may be normal, while
others may be especially weak. For example, a child with ASD may do
well on the parts of the test that measure visual skills but earn
low scores on the language subtests.
Seizures
One in four children with ASD develops seizures,
often starting either in early childhood or adolescence. 5 Seizures,
caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, can produce a
temporary loss of consciousness (a "blackout"), a body convulsion,
unusual movements, or staring spells. Sometimes a contributing
factor is a lack of sleep or a high fever. An EEG
(electroencephalogram—recording of the electric currents developed
in the brain by means of electrodes applied to the scalp) can help
confirm the seizure's presence.
In most cases, seizures can be controlled by a number of medicines
called "anticonvulsants." The dosage of the medication is adjusted
carefully so that the least possible amount of medication will be
used to be effective.
Fragile X Syndrome
This disorder is the most common inherited form of
mental retardation. It was so named because one part of the X
chromosome has a defective piece that appears pinched and fragile
when under a microscope. Fragile X syndrome affects about two to
five percent of people with ASD. It is important to have a child
with ASD checked for Fragile X, especially if the parents are
considering having another child. For an unknown reason, if a child
with ASD also has Fragile X, there is a one-in-two chance that boys
born to the same parents will have the syndrome. 6 Other members of
the family who may be contemplating having a child may also wish to
be checked for the syndrome.
Tuberous Sclerosis
Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disorder that
causes benign tumors to grow in the brain as well as in other vital
organs. It has a consistently strong association with ASD. One to 4
percent of people with ASD also have tuberous sclerosis.
Recent studies have shown that there is
currently a worldwide autism epidemic. In fact, more than 1.5
million people are affected in the United States alone, with one in
every 250 children diagnosed.
It's true that early detection and early treatment are the two key
factors in improving prognosis -- but too often parents get bogged
down in denial or confusion about this still mysterious disorder,
and are unable or unwilling to take the necessary steps.
The Essential Guide to Autism contains advice and information that
will help you make the right treatment decisions for your child.
Today, many youngsters can be helped to attend school alongside
their peers. Some programs are demonstrating that with appropriate
support, many people with autism can be trained to do meaningful
work and participate fully in community life.
All of the materials on this site have been included for the purpose of
providing general information, and they should not be relied on as a
substitution for professional advice.
