User:Mr. Ibrahem/Autism spectrum
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Autism spectrum a mental disorder with onset in childhood, that includes the prior diagnosis autism and Asperger syndrome.[3] Symptoms include long-term difficulties with communication, social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior.[3] Symptoms are typically recognized before two years of age.[3] Complications may include difficulties in performing daily tasks, creating and keeping relationships, maintaining a job, and suicide.[4]
Autism spectrum | |
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Other names | Autism spectrum disorder, autistic spectrum disorder, autistic spectral disorder,[1] autism spectrum condition, autistic spectrum condition[2] |
Repetitively stacking or lining up objects is associated with autism spectrum | |
Specialty | Psychiatry, clinical psychology |
Symptoms | Problems with communication, social interaction, restricted interests, repetitive behavior[3] |
Complications | Employment problems, few relationships, suicide[4] |
Usual onset | By age 2 years[3] |
Duration | Long-term[5] |
Causes | Uncertain[5] |
Risk factors | Advanced parental age, exposure to valproate during pregnancy, low birth weight[3] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms[5] |
Differential diagnosis | Intellectual disability, Rett syndrome, ADHD, selective mutism, childhood-onset schizophrenia[3] |
Treatment | Behavioral therapy, medication[6][7] |
Frequency | 1% of people (62.2 million 2015)[3][8] |
While the cause is uncertain, it is beleived to involve a combination of genetic and enviromental factors.[5] Risk factors include having an older parent, a family history of autism, and certain genetic conditions.[5] It is estimated that between 65% and 90% of risk is due to genetics.[9] Diagnosis is based on symptoms.[5] In 2013, the DSM-5 replaced the previous subgroups of autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and childhood disintegrative disorder with the single term "autism spectrum disorder".[10][11]
While there is no cure treatment can improve outcomes.[12] Efforts are generally individualized and can include behavioural therapy and the teaching of coping skills.[5] These efforts often involve the parents and other family members.[5] Medications may be used to try to help improve some associated symptoms.[5] Evidence to support the use of medications, however, is not very strong.[7]
Autism spectrum is estimated to affect about 1% of people (62.2 million globally) as of 2015[update].[3][8] In the United States it is estimated to affect about 2.5% of children (about 1.5 million) as of 2016.[13] Males are diagnosed four times more often than females.[12] The term "spectrum" refers to the variation in the type and severity of symptoms.[11] Outcomes are variable, with some with mild symptoms function independently, while those with more severe symptoms requiring substantial support in their daily lives.[14][4]