When Does Autism Usual Start?
Autism Spectrum Disorders usually start as early as infancy, or it can develop later. Infancy is the most common time for autism. Symptoms of autism would likely be present by age three, and the disorder would be progressive in nature. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is recommended. The later the autism diagnosis is, the greater the risk of birth complications. If autism develops later, symptoms would most likely be present at a much younger age.
Infancy
While autism can develop later in infancy, the first signs may show up in children as early as 10 months old. For example, a child may not respond to the gaze of their caregiver when a parent or caregiver points out a toy. At around six months old, they should be able to recognize that a parent or caregiver looks at something that they can see. At around one year, they should be able to say one or two words.
The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate that an infant's amygdala grows abnormally large. They believe this is why early diagnosis of autism is possible, as the hallmark behaviors of autism do not emerge until around 12 months. While the researchers do not know why this occurs, the findings have important implications for identifying the disorder. Similarly, a child with fragile X syndrome may have a higher chance of developing autism.
Prenatal
Genetic association between Epoch-1 and Epoch-2 ASD risk genes and prenatal autism development has been suggested. The newly proposed model suggests that broadly expressed risk genes influence the development and function of brain organs, including the cortices. Genetic aberrations in these genes propagate through multiple downstream core prenatal processes, including neurogenesis, cortical layer formation, and cell proliferation. This new model also offers insight into the mechanisms by which these genes may cause autism.
To investigate the relationship between prenatal factors and risk of autism, researchers searched PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases. A total of 698 articles was identified from the PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO searches. The search included studies on prenatal factors, which had been categorized as either prospective or retrospective. Researchers classified the studies based on whether the factors were acquired before or after birth, and whether or not the exposures were related to autism. Some studies reported a significant positive association, while others failed to identify a relationship.
Adulthood
The Regional Center for Autism in Adulthood has been evaluating adults with suspected autism or ASD. Its comprehensive model includes a diagnostic evaluation, a personalized life project, and a network of service providers. Personalized services can be delivered through a Regional Center for Autism in Adulthood or a private social center. This study describes clinical and demographic characteristics of the adults who participated. A detailed report is planned for each participant. The next phase of the study will involve the identification of an autism-specific rehabilitative program.
Autism is a chronic disorder that impacts a person's social, cognitive, and adult functioning. While some adults with autism manage to function in the society, earn a degree, and maintain gainful employment, others never develop their communication and self-help skills. Because the CDC's Study to Explore Early Development began in the mid-1990s, the number of adults with autism will only increase in the next two decades. Because the number of recently diagnosed autistic children is increasing rapidly, the issue of autism in adulthood is one that warrants further attention.
Regressive
Regressive autism can be more severe than the more common form of the disorder. Children with this type of autism often show symptoms later in life, and it may be difficult to distinguish between them and early-onset cases. Symptoms of regressive autism include a child's withdrawal from social interactions, a lack of interest in hobbies, and repetitive behavior. Fortunately, regressive autism can often be treated.
There are several reasons why a child might experience regression. One of them is that a parent may have a different reason for recognizing a child's autism than a child with the same disorder. Some children with autism may also experience developmental delays in their childhood, but they will usually show no obvious signs until later in life. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that all cases of autism are undiagnosed, and there are several causes of autism.
Late-onset
Symptoms of autism can start as early as infancy, or they can show up later, often after a child has lost acquired skills. Symptoms can occur in different stages of the child's development, with some showing a developmental plateau and others having mixed features. In this article, we review the literature and discuss problems with the traditional autism onset conceptualization, and we offer suggestions for future research. We also discuss the role of early diagnosis in the diagnosis process, as well as ways to treat late-onset autism.
Symptoms of late-onset autism typically appear between the ages of two and three. This is because language development normally begins between these ages. However, the individual may not have fully manifested the signs of autism until he or she begins to experience social demands beyond the limitations of his or her capabilities. At this point, it may be difficult for the child to cope with the changes. However, it is essential for the child to receive appropriate treatment to overcome the effects of autism.