Autism Spectrum Disorders: Where Do We Stand and Where Do We Go from Here?

Saritha Vermeer, PhD

If you have been following recent media reports, you may have noticed an increase in the number of features concerning autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The topics covered may include the explosion in the rate of ASD diagnoses, promising new interventions to address ASD or research being conducted to better understand the causes of ASD.

The reality is that over the past few decades many more children are being diagnosed with autistic disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome or PDD-NOS, all of which fall on the autism spectrum. Each of these diagnoses is used to describe an individual who has difficulty in social interaction, displays limited or unusual communication skills, engages in repetitive activities, has limited imaginative play skills and shows intense interest in a restricted range of activities. Across the country, researchers are working to identify the underlying causes of ASD. Genetics studies focus on identifying the specific genes for ASD, brain imaging studies seek to pinpoint the exact areas in the brain that are affected in individuals with ASD, while environmental theories suggest that exposure to certain toxins is the key to understanding the increase in ASD. While these areas of research hold some promise, research to date has not identified a clear cause for ASD.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that 1 percent of children in the United States are diagnosed with autism or an autism spectrum disorder, such as Asperger’s. Because the disorder occurs more in males than females, the prevalence rate for boys may be as high as 1 in 58. These numbers become even more startling when we realize that just fifteen years ago, autism was thought to occur in only 2-5 out of every 10,000 individuals. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that every child be screened for ASD twice before their second birthday. The rationale for this early screening is that the best long-term outcome for children with ASD is early, intensive intervention.

Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed similarly to other developmental disabilities, through interviews with parents or caregivers, observations of the child and psychological tests to determine the child’s functioning across a range of areas. Diagnostic instruments such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) are the gold standard in assessment and diagnosis of ASD. Once a diagnosis is made, parents can begin to explore and access educational and therapeutic services targeted at children with autism spectrum disorders.

In my own practice, I have found that the best results occur when we take the time to identify each child’s distinct strengths and weaknesses and design a treatment plan specific to his or her needs. Among the interventions available today are speech therapies focused on improving both expressive and receptive language skills, occupational therapy that targets sensory modulation issues and educational interventions to improve attention, behavior and communication. Other treatments provided by psychologists include therapies that focus on improving the child’s social skills and ability to interact meaningfully with others. Working with a psychologist who has expertise in autism spectrum disorders is often the first step to selecting the most appropriate and effective treatment strategy for the unique needs of the child.