The Impacts of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

            Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder that impacts many aspects of an individual’s life. ASD impacts development, cognitive skills, and emotional regulation/ expression. Research on ASD symptoms and the impacts on development, cognitive skills, and emotional regulation/ expression is ongoing. 

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

There are various symptoms related with autism spectrum disorder. ASD is represented on a spectrum which historically characterized the intensity of the symptoms and the specific symptoms presented into various diagnoses (DeFilippis & Wagner, 2016). Today autism spectrum disorder is used to define various historically now respected secondary diagnoses including Asperger syndrome, developmental disabilities unspecified, and social development regression (DeFilippis & Wagner, 2016). ASD is presently diagnosed utilizing a spectrum based leveled system characterizing the symptoms presented as well as the level of optimal support needed. The varying levels include level one- needing support, level two- needing a considerable amount of support, and level three- needing a significant amount of support (Ousley & Cermak, 2014). The essential symptoms utilized to diagnose ASD is declined social interaction and limited/ recurring behaviors and/ or sensory sensitivities (Ousley & Cermak, 2014). Declined social interaction symptoms typically present as using alternative methods to communicate, not conversing/ rarely conversing with others, displaying a disinterest in others and their interests, declined facial expressions, and difficulties interpreting body language/ facial expressions (Raising Children Network, 2021). Limited/ recurring behaviors and/ or sensory sensitivities may present as repetitive play/ actions, repetitive speech, restricted interests, difficulty with daily routine adjustments, and sensitivities to specific sounds/ textures (Raising Children Network, 2021).

Autism Spectrum Disorder Impact on Development

Autism spectrum disorder impacts development in several ways. An impact of ASD on development is the enlargement of the brain in early life (Hazlett et al., 2017). This discovery is understood to be made before an official diagnosis potentially recognizing early signs of ASD (Hazlett et al., 2017). Rapid enlargement of the cortical tissue of the brain during 6-12 months of age is followed by the overall excessive growth of the brain during 12-24 months of age as symptoms of ASD begin to appear (Hazlett et al., 2017). Therefore, implicating that this developmental event is directly linked with the development of autism spectrum disorder. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Impact on Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive difficulties are often associated with autism spectrum disorder (Nyrenius & Billstedt, 2020). Executive dysfunction is often displayed in individuals with ASD, specifically the inability to operate aspirational behavior and difficulties with motor skills, short term memory, and language (Nyrenius & Billstedt, 2020). Challenges with cognitive social abilities are often displayed in individuals with ASD. Difficulties with utilizing information about oneself and others to engage socially are often presented in individuals diagnosed with ASD (Nyrenius & Billstedt, 2020).

Autism Spectrum Disorder Impact on Emotions

Autism spectrum disorder has many implications on the regulation and expression of emotions (Samson et al., 2014). Research has showed that difficulties with regulating emotions seem to be greatly related to reoccurring behaviors and the disruption of these behaviors (Samson et al., 2014). Difficulties in the ability to express and show empathy for others is also often displayed by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Challenges with deciphering expressive emotions is often attributable to difficulties with feeling and expressing empathy for others (Mazza et al., 2014).

 References

DeFilippis, M., & Wagner, K. D. (2016). Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Psychopharmacology bulletin, 46(2), 18–41.

Hazlett, H. C., Gu, H., Munsell, B. C., Kim, S. H., Styner, M., Wolff, J. J., ... & Piven, J. (2017). Early brain development in infants at high risk for autism spectrum disorder. Nature, 542(7641), 348-351.

Mazza, M., Pino, M. C., Mariano, M., Tempesta, D., Ferrara, M., De Berardis, D., ... & Valenti, M. (2014). Affective and cognitive empathy in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 8, 791.

Nyrenius, J., & Billstedt, E. (2020). The functional impact of cognition in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 74(3), 220-225.

Ousley, O., & Cermak, T. (2014). Autism spectrum disorder: defining dimensions and subgroups. Current developmental disorders reports, 1(1), 20-28.

Raising Children Network. (2021, February 12). DSM-5: Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Raising Children Network. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/learning-about-autism/assessment-diagnosis/dsm-5-asd-diagnosis#about-the-dsm-and-autism-spectrum-disorder-diagnosis-nav-title 

Samson, A. C., Phillips, J. M., Parker, K. J., Shah, S., Gross, J. J., & Hardan, A. Y. (2014). Emotion dysregulation and the core features of autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and developmental Disorders, 44(7), 1766-1772.