The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported January 10 that the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has risen to 2.3% in children 8 years of age in the U.S. and to 2.2% in adults. This represents an increase of 1.2% over a 10-year period.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated in 2022 that approximately one in 44 children in the U.S. had been diagnosed with ASD. That amounts to over seven million children. By comparison, the rate in 2004 was one in 125 children. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the rate in boys is 3.7% and for girls is 0.9%. ASD is not affected by race, ethnicity or socioeconomics.
Additionally, the report states that those with ASD show higher depression, anxiety and sleep disorder occurrences. The study also says treatment can include behavioral therapy and medication.
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The term “spectrum” is included in ASD because of the wide range of developmental stages that can be found in specific individuals. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notes that this developmental disability may cause people to communicate and interact unusually. According to CDC, communication skills may range from non-verbal to advanced. As a result of the varying degrees of development, some with ASD may require much more support daily than others.
Learning, thinking and problem-solving by those with ASD may be different from what is usually expected in typical social and educational situations. The range included in the spectrum can reach from intellectually gifted to severely challenged.
Rise in associated conditions
The findings reported by JAMA showed that among those with ASD, there is a 13% higher rate of depression, a 6% higher anxiety rate and an 8% higher probability of sleep disorders. It was also noted that epilepsy is almost 20% more likely among those with a co-occurring intellectual disability, such as ASD.
Diagnosis and symptoms
Early diagnosis of autism is important but sometimes difficult. CDC and HHS agree that because there is no diagnostic blood test or other definitive biological tool, observation of a child’s behavior and ability to comprehend are critical. Observations of a child’s development from infancy to age 2 can provide a qualified professional enough information to make an accurate diagnosis. But it is possible that a diagnosis may not come until adolescence or adulthood. A delayed diagnosis may make later life more difficult for someone with ASD.
CDC is conducting an extensive study on many aspects of ASD, including possible risk factors. Although no individual cause can be identified, it appears certain situations may signal greater risk. They include having a sibling with ASD or having genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as tubular sclerosis or fragile X syndrome. Having a complicated birth or being born to older parents may also be risk factors, according to CDC.
Symptoms, especially for young children, include not responding to one’s name and lack of facial expressions including joy, sadness or anger by 9 months of age. Lack of eye contact or interaction, such as waving, by 1 year of age could be a symptom, as could inability to play certain childhood games, such as pat-a-cake. Between ages 15 months and 4 years, signs could include not pointing to items of interest and not noticing other children.
Other signs for older individuals could be repeating of phrases and an obsession with routine. Delayed language, movement or learning skills are also possible symptoms.
Treatment and specific research
There are many therapies, prescribed activities and medications in use for different stages of ASD. The JAMA report states that for those under age 5, intensive behavioral interventions can improve language skills, play and social communication. Additionally, the study stated that for those with co-occurring psychiatric conditions, including attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity disorder, pharmacologic therapy can also help. Certain medications can improve irritability and aggression.
Specific programs for specific needs
Because each instance of ASD is unique, so should be the treatment of the individual. Physicians, specialists, therapists and family members of those with ASD should be involved in evaluating the practicality and benefits of managing symptoms and spectrum traits.
If you have questions about your cardiovascular health, including heart, blood pressure, stroke lifestyle and other issues, we want to answer them. Please submit your questions to Dr. Haqqani by email at questions@vascularhealthclinics.org.
Omar P. Haqqani is the Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Vascular Health Clinics in Midland.
