Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Autism is diagnosed based on the presence of a specific set of symptoms. These symptoms:
    • Must be present in early childhood (before age two).
    • Must impair the child's ability to function normally.

Who Can Diagnose Autism?

  • Qualified professionals with diagnostic privileges:
    • Licensed psychologists
    • Psychiatrists
    • Pediatric neurologists
    • Developmental pediatricians
  • Behavior analysts work closely with individuals diagnosed with autism but do not have diagnostic privileges.

The Cause(s) of Autism

  • The exact cause of autism is currently unknown.
    • There isn't enough evidence to support one specific theory.
    • Many past theories have been disproven.
  • It's plausible that autism has multiple causes and manifests uniquely in each individual.
  • Possible factors:
    • Environmental toxins (in the womb or during early childhood)
    • Genetic or physiological abnormalities
  • A genetic component and physiological/neurological manifestation are likely, but specifics haven't been identified.

Disproven Theories and Myths

Refrigerator Mothers

  • The first theory, proposed by the person who first labeled the disorder, suggested that autism was caused by emotionally unavailable and distant mothers, described as "refrigerator mothers."
  • This theory has been disproven; there is no evidence to suggest that parents of children with autism love or nurture their children any less than parents of children without the diagnosis of autism.

Vaccinations

  • A common theory suggests that vaccinations, particularly the MMR vaccine, cause autism.
  • The timing of autism symptom onset (18 months to 3 years) coincides with vaccination schedules, leading to a perceived link.
  • Extensive research indicates that vaccines do not cause autism.
  • Vaccinations are among the safest medical procedures available.

Gluten or Casein in the Diet

  • Another myth suggests that gluten or casein in the diet contributes to autism.
  • There is no evidence to support this idea.
    • Children with autism are statistically more likely to have gastrointestinal sensitivities, with one study indicating they are three times more likely to have gluten sensitivity than individuals without autism.
    • The cause of this difference is unclear; research on the gut microbiome of individuals with autism is ongoing, but no formal conclusions have been reached.

Can Autism Be Cured?

  • A cure implies correcting the cause of a problem. Since the exact cause of autism is unknown, it cannot technically be "cured."
  • With behavioral intervention, some individuals may improve to the point where they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for autism in a repeat assessment.
  • However, once diagnosed, the individual will technically always carry the diagnosis, even if symptoms are no longer present.
  • Individuals with autism are not considered "broken" and do not need to be "fixed."
  • Therapies are provided to support them, improve their quality of life, and increase their independence.