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What is ASD?
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a complex and comprehensive developmental disorder that forms part of the group of neurodevelopmental disorders.
It encompasses a range of difficulties relating to social communication, interaction and behaviour. ASD often manifests itself as early as the early years of childhood, and the symptoms of ASD may be noticeable to attentive parents of children with ASD in their child’s relationships, play and day-to-day functioning.
According to the ICD-11 classification, autism (or autism spectrum disorder) is a developmental disorder characterised by repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour and limited forms of emotional expression.
ASD manifests itself to varying degrees – ranging from mild forms to severe difficulties in social and communicative functioning.
People with autism spectrum disorders often perceive the world differently; they have a unique way of processing information and responding to stimuli.
For this reason, people on the autism spectrum should not be viewed in terms of deficits, but rather in terms of different patterns of perception, emotion and behaviour.
Symptoms of autism and characteristics of the autism spectrum
The first signs of autism may appear as early as the first few years of life – most commonly between 12 and 24 months. These usually include difficulty responding when called by name, a lack of eye contact or limited emotional expression.
However, the symptoms of autism can be subtle and vary depending on the level of intellectual development and the upbringing.
The most common symptoms of ASD include:
- difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships,
- a limited range of facial expressions and gestures,
- difficulties with social interaction and communication,
- attachment to routine,
- repetitive and stereotyped behaviours,
- unusual reactions to auditory or tactile stimuli.
It is worth emphasising that the autism spectrum is a broad spectrum of disorders, encompassing both people who require intensive support and those who are highly independent.
People on the spectrum may possess exceptional analytical, musical or artistic abilities, even though they simultaneously struggle to understand emotions or social norms.
Diagnosis and identification of autism
Diagnosing autism is a complex process requiring a comprehensive approach. To obtain a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, detailed observation of behaviour, an analysis of the child’s development and consultation with specialists are necessary. The process includes, amongst other things, an interview with the parents, psychological tests and an assessment of social and emotional functioning.
In practice, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders is based on the criteria set out in the ICD-11 and the DSM-5. Standardised assessment tools, such as the ADOS-2, the ADI-R and developmental questionnaires, are used for this purpose.
The diagnostic process also takes into account other developmental disorders, such as ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder or mental health conditions, which may co-occur with autism and influence the clinical picture.
A diagnosis of autism is made on the basis of the presence of specific characteristics – deficits in social interaction, difficulties with communication and restricted behaviours.
In some cases, these may be accompanied by intellectual developmental disorders or other intellectual developmental disorders, which affect the level of development and independence.
The process of diagnosing ASD is crucial for starting appropriate treatment and planning individualised forms of support. Early diagnosis helps to minimise secondary emotional and social difficulties.
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Diagnosis of autism at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
We carry out a comprehensive psychological assessment of the autism spectrum — thoroughly, providing a complete picture of the child’s potential and recommendations for the school.
The day-to-day lives of people on the spectrum
Living with ASD involves many difficulties – both for people with ASD themselves and for their families. People with ASD often face limitations in social interactions, at school or at work. Difficulties in understanding other people’s emotions, a fear of change or sensory overload can lead to frustration and withdrawal.
Children with ASD often find it difficult to form peer relationships, take part in team games or understand the rules of play. For children and adults who function at a higher level of independence, the challenges mainly relate to social interaction and emotional adjustment.
Some adults with ASD lead active working lives, although they require support with task planning and communication. Others struggle with feelings of isolation and low self-esteem. High levels of stress can exacerbate difficulties in relationships and lead to secondary anxiety disorders.
It is worth bearing in mind that autism can co-occur with other disorders, such as childhood disintegrative disorders or neurodevelopmental disorders, and the severity of symptoms always varies from person to person.
Therapy and support for people on the autism spectrum
Effective ASD therapy should be therapeutic, individualised and behaviour-based. The aim is to support the development of social, emotional and communication skills. In practice, approaches used include cognitive-behavioural therapy, social skills training, sensory integration and activities that support emotional development.
An important aspect of treating autism spectrum disorders is working with the family. Parents of children with ASD are taught how to support their child’s development, build a bond with them and respond to challenging behaviours.
Therapy should also take into account the individual’s level of intellectual development and personal abilities. For those with greater difficulties, communication support methods are used, such as PECS or AAC. For those who function more independently, therapy focuses on developing independence and reducing stress.
Starting therapy early is of the utmost importance – it affects quality of life, adaptation and emotional wellbeing. Although the causes of autism are not fully understood, it is known that appropriate therapeutic support can significantly improve day-to-day functioning.
Prospects and the social significance of the diagnosis
The contemporary approach to autism spectrum disorders emphasises that autism is not merely a set of difficulties, but also a unique way of perceiving reality.
People with autism can make an enormous contribution to society – their ability to concentrate, their logical thinking and their detailed memory can be exceptional.
It is worth raising public awareness of ASD and reducing stereotypes. Knowledge about the risks of autism, its symptoms and ways of providing support can help us respond more quickly and foster acceptance of diversity.
Every diagnosis or diagnostic process should lead not only to a diagnostic label, but also to a better understanding of the needs of a person with ASD and to the development of strategies to support their development.
Bibliography
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).
- World Health Organisation. ICD-11: International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.
- Pisula, E. (2019). Autism: Causes, symptoms and treatment.
- Attwood, T. (2015). Asperger’s Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide to Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Volkmar, F. R., Paul, R., Rogers, S. J., Pelphrey, K. A. (2014). Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
- Baron-Cohen, S. (2021). The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention.
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Diagnosis of autism at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
We carry out a comprehensive psychological assessment of the autism spectrum — thoroughly, providing a complete picture of the child’s potential and recommendations for the school.
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