Frequently asked questions about autism

Frequently asked questions

What is ASD?

ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. We speak of a spectrum, because there is a great diversity of alterations but which includes a common symptomatology: difficulties in social communication and patterns of repetitive, stereotyped behavior and/or inflexibility which vary depending on each person. They may have other associated conditions such as intellectual disability, health problems and/or language disorders.

How can the symptoms of autism evolve?

The symptoms are the signs or indications that we perceive in the behavior of the person with autism. The evolution of these particularities will depend on a series of factors. For example, the evidence shows us that early detection, diagnosis and intervention are important.

From here, each person with autism is different, therefore their evolution will be different. Even so, it is important that the different environments of the person with ASD are coordinated in order to be able to give them the necessary support for a good quality of life.

When can autism start?

The person with autism is born with autism and it presents itself throughout life. The first manifestations can be perceived between 12 and 18 months of a child’s life.

What are the causes of autism?

Autism is considered a condition of biological origin. So far we know that there are more than 100 different genes involved in TEA. The risk of having another child with ASD is around 20%, between 10 and 20 times higher than in the general population. This probability increases further if there is a sibling affected by ASD (up to 50%). In the case of twins, probabilities between 60% and 90%. However, environmental factors may contribute to the development (such as advanced parental age at conception, extreme prematurity with very low birth weight, etc.) and evolution of the disorder.

How can autism be identified?

Unfortunately, there are no specific medical tests. So it is necessary to do this through tests that are based on the observation and assessment of behavior for the diagnosis of the disorder, such as the ADOS-2 and the ADI-R. Detection tools such as M-CHAT-R also exist.

What is needed to diagnose autism?

It is essential that, upon detecting the first symptoms, a diagnosis is carried out with specialized professionals and appropriate tools. In this process, a complete analysis is done that includes:

Clinical history of family members
Specific diagnosis of the child or adult
Return: orientation of the most appropriate interventions according to the profile of individual strengths and difficulties and according to needs.

Find out how we diagnose autism at Fundació Junts Autisme.

Are there medications for autism?

There are no specific medications to eliminate or reduce the symptoms of autism. However, health professionals often use medication to treat a specific behavior, such as reducing self-inflicted injury or aggression, or other associated disorders. Minimizing a symptom so that it is no longer a problem allows a person with autism to focus on other things, such as learning and communication. Studies show that medications are most effective when combined with behavioral therapies.

Is autism hereditary?

There are genetic factors in autism, which explains for example that there is a higher probability of having a second child with autism if the first child has this condition. So, although a direct genetic cause has not been found, it is known that having relatives with ASD increases the likelihood, which implies hereditary factors.

How can autism be treated?

There is no specific treatment. There are different psychoeducational techniques, scientifically proven, that help the person with autism in their day-to-day life. Thanks to these techniques and human supports, the person with autism becomes aware of his environment, can structure his day, can express himself and can develop in the world of education and work. It should be borne in mind that each person with autism is different and, therefore, the intervention will have to be personalized, specific and specialized in autism. We must avoid the false promises offered by some pseudosciences about the existence of drugs or substances that “cure” autism. While it is true that there are drugs that help regulate some comorbidities associated with autism and that can make the person with autism better, autism is not cured and therefore there is NO drug treatment that can do

How many people have autism and/or other ASD spectrum disorders?

According to several studies, we know that autism spectrum disorder occurs in 1 in every 100 births. A study of prevalence in Catalonia informs us that 1 in every 81 births has autism, which increases the prevalence in children.

How do people with autism think and feel?

First person explanation:

“Because of the way I communicate, I don’t understand social norms. But, if I’m socially incorrect, it’s not with bad intent. Therefore, it is better that you tell me how it would be good for me to do things, than that you forbid or stop me from doing them. Because I have a hard time understanding lies, jokes, double entenders, or gratuitous violence. Try to use simple language, without symbolism. Because I accept people as they are, even if they are different than me, without trying to change anything. Because, when I feel that I am not understood, I get frustrated easily. Imagine not understanding many things that happen around you. Wouldn’t you be angry like me? Try to identify what triggers my nervousness, which doesn’t make me feel good. Being with other people, even if they think I’m acting strange. I don’t like being alone. Like all people, I like to have company. There are certain things that I really like, and I would never stop doing them. These are usually different things than other people with autism like. I love my family and my friends.”

Can people with autism work and be independent?

It depends on each person. One of the goals of our foundation is to help people with autism have the maximum capacity to be independent, but since this is not possible in many cases, they will need others to help them. The inclusion of people with autism (in work, personal, family life…) means enhancing what they are able to do and helping them in those things in which they need help.

How can you help a person with autism?

We should all put ourselves in the place of the person in front of us, that will make things easier. Empathizing (in what he can feel or how he can understand his environment) will lead to an “autism friendly” environment. This fact will help reduce environmental stress, understand your environment and facilitate communication.