Autism: A Spectrum Disorder

Recently, during a rotation as the attending physician on our cardiology consult service, patient we were seeing for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response was reported to me being autistic. Thinking about this term and examined, I realized that really knew very little autism, decided it time do some research entity. What discovered was, in fact, quite interesting.1American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Publishing; 2013.Google Scholar, 2Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): data statistics. Centers Disease Control Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html. Accessed October 17, 2020.Google 3Autism fact sheet. National Institute Neurological Disorders Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/autism-spectrum-disorder-fact-sheet. 4Autism information page. at:https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Information-Page. 5What is autism disorder? https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html. Scholar am writing commentary because common here United States, believe important internists know more condition, which can affect care individuals other illnesses commonly seen by internal medicine physicians. Let's start definition Autism disorder, is, presents broad array severity. In its most severe form, disease completely incapacitate an individual who will then require life-long supportive often chronic healthcare institution. milder autistic lead normal, rich, productive lives having learned coping strategies. defined psychiatric literature neurodevelopmental characterized failure part affected person communicate interact socially others. Autistic patients demonstrate restricted, repetitive, stereotyped patterns behavior. For example, children or adults, may continue repetitively handle play objects such toy automobiles rather than interacting persons. These repetitive actions are referred “stimming”—self-stimulating behaviors, usually involving movements sounds. found throughout world has no specific propensity any race, culture, economic status. It 4 times males females diagnosed childhood when parents teachers observe fails make eye contact normally The Prevention have estimated 1 59 since not fatal number adults substantial. published Association contains criteria enable clinicians diagnose variety disorders including autism. manual, 5 different subtypes recognized: without intellectual impairment; language accompanying another medical genetic condition; associated neurodevelopmental, mental, behavioral disorder; combined catatonia. Adding complexity, simultaneously exhibit elements from one these subtypes. past, been entities Asperger's syndrome form developmental delay. Currently, however, latter diagnoses used. Rather, noted above, spectrum. etiology known at time. However, risk factors identified, familial inheritance; mutations leading abnormalities brain structure function; birth older parents; low weight; exposure heavy metals, environmental toxins, both; viral infections affecting central nervous system; fetal medicines, valproic acid thalidomide. Authorities Stroke both genetics environment role A misconception forms vaccination cause This simply true, work led idea retracted.6Eggertson L Lancet retracts 12-year-old article linking MMR vaccines.CMAJ. 2010; 182: E199-E200Crossref PubMed Scopus (112) Google Scholar,7Autism vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html. diagnosis based clinical observation; biomarkers yet assist making diagnosis, almost always made childhood. Genomic screening helpful diseases. requires evaluation team specialists psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists.8Cherney K. Everything you need Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/autism#1. therapies available autism? Because entity identified childhood, pediatric psychological recommended, behavioral, play, therapy alongside physical speech therapy. Massage recommended induce relaxation hyperactive. be continued, but many strategies they reach adulthood. addition, moderate relatively lives. alternative suggested chelation. none definitively shown help. Some authorities diet improving symptoms diets employed, limiting foods artificial additives gluten while emphasizing fresh fruits vegetables, lean meats, fish, carrying out efforts maintain hydration. Research concerning dietary still inconclusive time.8Cherney Others regular exercise patients, likely offer benefits even if does cure them. Whether adult normal depends severity expression whether responded all listed above. Patients until above controlling aspects initiated first patient. Sometimes much later life. due lack awareness among practitioners, hence commentary. confusion exists attention deficit (ADHD), entity, Many deal group ADHD socio-communicative skills. Prognosis generally how early life disability, effect various There lethal. unable function society. Management comorbid challenging adhere guideline directed therapies. As always, happy hear readers [email protected]