Key Notes on Autism

By Dr Than Lwin Tun

Autism, also known as au­tism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmen­tal condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learns, and experi­ences the world. Autism is called a “spectrum” because it affects people in different ways and to different degrees. Some autis­tic people may need significant support in daily life, while others may live independently and have fewer support needs.

Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental disor­ders, meaning they are caused by abnormalities in the way the brain develops and works. Peo­ple with autism spectrum disor­ders have problems with social behaviour and communicating with others; they tend to engage in solitary interests and activi­ties which they do repetitively.

One of the main character­istics of autism is differences in communication and social in­teraction. Some autistic people may find it difficult to understand facial expressions, gestures, or social rules. Others may have difficulty starting or maintaining conversations. Some may com­municate in different ways, such as through gestures, writing, or communication devices. Howev­er, these differences do not mean that autistic people cannot form friendships or have meaningful relationships.

Another characteristic of autism is repetitive behaviors or strong interests. An autis­tic person may repeat certain movements, sounds, or activi­ties. They may also develop deep interests in particular subjects and enjoy learning a great deal about them. Many autistic people also experience sensory differ­ences. For example, they may be especially sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, certain tex­tures, or strong smells.

The causes of autism are complex. Research suggests that both genetic and environ­mental factors can play a role in brain development. Autism is not caused by poor parenting, and vaccines do not cause autism. Autism usually begins in early childhood, although some people are not diagnosed until they are older.

In most cases, autism spec­trum disorders become appar­ent during the first 5 years of a person’s life. They begin in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood. Globally, 1 in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder, and they are more commonly diag­nosed in boys than girls. People with autism spectrum disorders often also have other conditions, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hy­peractivity disorder (ADHD).

Early identification and appropriate support can help autistic people develop their abilities and participate fully in school, work, and community life. Support may include speech and language services, educational assistance, occupational therapy, social support, and accommo­dation at school or work. The needs of each autistic person are different, so support should be individualized. The following are some key facts on Autism;

• UNICEF reports that an estimated 70 million people worldwide live with autism.

• UNICEF estimates that 19 million children worldwide have autism and lack access to education.

• A 2023 report by UNESCO found that only 20 per cent of children with autism glob­ally attend inclusive schools, compared to 90 per cent of neurotypical children.

• A 2022 meta-analysis in ‘The Lancet’ found a global ASD prevalence of 1.1 per cent.

• The Global Burden of Dis­ease Study (2020) found that autism is more common in urban areas (1.5 per cent) than rural areas (0.8 per cent).

• Boys are affected by autism at a ratio of 4:1 compared to girls, as reported by the CDC (2021).

• A 2022 study on ASD found that autism prevalence is higher in first-born children (1.7 per cent) compared to later-born children (1.3 per cent).

• The average age of autism di­agnosis is four to five years, with 30 per cent diagnosed before age 3, as reported by the CDC (2021).

• A 2022 study in ‘JAMA Paedi­atrics’ found that only 10 per cent of children with autism are diagnosed by age 3, as many symptoms appear lat­er.

• The World Health Organi­zation (2021) recommends screening for autism at 18 and 24 months, but only 25 per cent of children globally undergo such screening.

• The World Health Organiza­tion (2021) reports that 30-50 per cent of individuals with autism experience seizures, with a higher risk in those with intellectual disability.

• A 2022 study in ‘Sleep Medi­cine Reviews’ found that 60- 70 per cent of people with autism have sleep disorders, including insomnia and hy­persomnia.

• The Global Alliance for Au­tism (2023) states that 70 per cent of adults with autism are unemployed, with only 10 per cent working full-time.

• The Journal of Autism and Development Disorders (2020) reports that 40-60 per cent of individuals with autism have gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipa­tion and diarrhoea.

It is also important to pro­mote understanding and accept­ance of autism. Autistic people have their own strengths, tal­ents, interests, and personali­ties. Some may have exceptional abilities in areas such as math­ematics, music, art, memory, technology, or problem-solving. Society should focus not only on the challenges associated with autism but also on creating en­vironments in which autistic people can succeed.

In addition, autism is a nat­ural form of human develop­mental difference that affects people in diverse ways. Greater awareness, acceptance, and ap­propriate support can improve the quality of life of autistic peo­ple and their families. By treat­ing autistic people with respect and recognizing their individu­al strengths and needs, we can build a more inclusive and un­derstanding society.

References

- https://applications.emro. who.int

- https://worldmetrics.org/ autism-global-statistics