Editing Developmental disorder (section)

===Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)===
====Diagnosis====
The first diagnosed case of ASD was published in 1943 by American psychiatrist [[Leo Kanner]]. There is a wide range of cases and severity to ASD so it is very hard to detect the first signs of ASD. A diagnosis of ASD can be made accurately before the child is 3 years old, but the diagnosis of ASD is not commonly confirmed until the child is somewhat older. The age of diagnosis can range from 9 months to 14 years, and the mean age is 4 years old in the USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/hunting-autisms-earliest-clues|title=Hunting for Autism's Earliest Clues|date=18 September 2013|website=Autism Speaks|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=14 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914061405/https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/hunting-autisms-earliest-clues|url-status=live}}</ref> On average each case of ASD is tested at three different diagnostic centers before confirmed. Early diagnosis of the disorder can diminish familial stress, speed up referral to special educational programs and influence family planning.<ref name="Dereu, Mieke 2010">Dereu, Mieke. (2010). ''Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Flemish Day-Care Centers with the Checklist for Early Signs of Developmental Disorders.'' Springer Science+Business Media. 1247-1258.</ref> The occurrence of ASD in one child can increase the risk of the next child having ASD by 50 to 100 times.{{cn|date=June 2022}}

====Abnormalities in the brain====
The cause of ASD is still uncertain. What is known is that a child with ASD has a pervasive problem with how the brain is wired. Genes related to neurotransmitter receptors (serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) and CNS structural control (''HOX'' genes) are found to be potential target genes that get affected in ASD.<ref name="msdmanuals.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/professional/pediatrics/learning-and-developmental-disorders/autism-spectrum-disorders|title=Autism Spectrum Disorders - Pediatrics|website=MSD Manual Professional Edition|access-date=2019-10-30|archive-date=2019-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031184948/https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/professional/pediatrics/learning-and-developmental-disorders/autism-spectrum-disorders|url-status=live}}</ref> Autism spectrum disorder is a disorder of the many parts of the brain. Structural changes are observed in the cortex, which controls higher functions, sensation, muscle movements, and memory. Structural defects are seen in the cerebellum too, which affect the motor and communication skills.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://factdr.com/health-conditions/autism/|title=Autism: Facts, causes, risk-factors, symptoms, & management|date=2018-06-25|website=FactDr|access-date=2019-10-30|archive-date=2019-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030130632/https://factdr.com/health-conditions/autism/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sometimes the left lobe of the brain is affected and this causes neuropsychological symptoms. The distribution of white matter, the nerve fibers that link diverse parts of the brain, is abnormal. The corpus callosum, the band of nerve fibers, that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain also gets affected in ASD. A study also found that 33% of people who have AgCC (agenesis of the corpus callosum), a condition in which the corpus callosum is partially or completely absent, had scores higher than the autism screening cut-off.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Lau|first1=Yolanda C.|last2=Hinkley|first2=Leighton B. N.|last3=Bukshpun|first3=Polina|last4=Strominger|first4=Zoe A.|last5=Wakahiro|first5=Mari L. J.|last6=Baron-Cohen|first6=Simon|last7=Allison|first7=Carrie|last8=Auyeung|first8=Bonnie|last9=Jeremy|first9=Rita J.|last10=Nagarajan|first10=Srikantan S.|last11=Sherr|first11=Elliott H.|date=May 2013|title=Autism traits in individuals with agenesis of the corpus callosum|journal=Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders|volume=43|issue=5|pages=1106–1118|doi=10.1007/s10803-012-1653-2|issn=0162-3257|pmc=3625480|pmid=23054201}}</ref>

An ASD child's brain grows at a very rapid rate and is almost fully grown by the age of 10.<ref name="Dereu, Mieke 2010" /> Recent fMRI studies have also found altered connectivity within the social brain areas due to ASD and may be related to the social impairments encountered in ASD.<ref name="Gotts et al">{{cite journal |journal=Brain |year=2012 |volume=135 |issue=9 |pages=2711–2725 |title= Fractionation of social brain circuits in autism spectrum disorders |author= Gotts S. J. |author2=Simmons W. K. |author3=Milbury L. A. |author4=Wallace G. L. |author5=Cox R. W. |author6=Martin A. |pmid= 22791801|doi=10.1093/brain/aws160 |pmc=3437021}}</ref><ref name="Subbaraju et al">{{cite journal |journal=European Journal of Neuroscience|year=2017 |title= Identification of lateralized compensatory neural activities within the social brain due to autism spectrum disorder in adolescent males |vauthors= Subbaraju V, Sundaram S, Narasimhan S |volume=47 |issue=6 |pages=631–642 |doi=10.1111/ejn.13634 |pmid=28661076 |s2cid=4306986 }}</ref>

====Symptoms====
The symptoms have a wide range of severity. The symptoms of ASD can be broadly categorised<ref name="msdmanuals.com"/> as the following:

===== Persistent issues in social interactions and communications =====
These are predominantly seen by unresponsiveness in conversations, lesser emotional sharing, inability to initiate conversations, inability to interpret body language, avoidance of eye-contact and difficulty maintaining relationships.{{cn|date=June 2022}}

===== Repetitive behavioral patterns =====
These patterns can be seen in the form of repeated movements of the hand or the phrases used while talking. A rigid adherence to schedules and inflexibility to adapt even if a minor change is made to their routine is also one of the behavioral symptoms of ASD. They could also display sensory patterns such as extreme aversion to certain odors or indifference to pain or temperature.{{cn|date=June 2022}}

There are also different symptoms at different ages based on developmental milestones. Children between 0 and 36 months with ASD show a lack of eye contact, seem to be deaf, lack a social smile, do not like being touched or held, have unusual sensory behavior and show a lack of imitation. Children between 12 and 24 months with ASD show a lack of gestures, prefer to be alone, do not point to objects to indicate interest, are easily frustrated with challenges, and lack of functional play. And finally children between the ages of 24 and 36 months with ASD show a lack of symbolic play and an unusual interest in certain objects, or moving objects.<ref name="Dereu, Mieke 2010" />

====Treatment====
There is no specific treatment for [[Autism Spectrum Disorders|autism spectrum disorders]], but there are several types of therapy effective in easing the symptoms of autism, such as [[Applied behavior analysis|Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)]], [[Speech-language therapy]], [[Occupational therapy]] or [[Sensory integration therapy]].{{cn|date=June 2022}}

[[Applied behavioral analysis]] (ABA) is considered the most effective therapy for [[Autism spectrum|Autism spectrum disorders]] by the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Myers|first1=Scott M.|last2=Johnson|first2=Chris Plauché|date=1 November 2007|title=Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders|url=http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/120/5/1162|journal=Pediatrics|volume=120|issue=5|pages=1162–1182|doi=10.1542/peds.2007-2362|issn=0031-4005|pmid=17967921|doi-access=free|access-date=24 August 2019|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009024902/https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/120/5/1162|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> ABA focuses on teaching adaptive behaviors like social skills, play skills, or communication skills<ref>{{cite web|title=Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): What is ABA?|url=http://www.autismpartnership.com/applied-behavior-analysis|website=Autism partnership|date=16 June 2011|access-date=24 August 2019|archive-date=3 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103173916/https://www.autismpartnership.com/applied-behavior-analysis|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Treating adaptive living skills of persons with autism using applied behavior analysis: A review">{{cite journal |last1=Matson |first1=Johnny |last2=Hattier |first2=Megan |last3=Belva |first3=Brian |title=Treating adaptive living skills of persons with autism using applied behavior analysis: A review |journal=Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders |date=January–March 2012 |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=271–276 |doi=10.1016/j.rasd.2011.05.008 }}</ref> and diminishing problematic behaviors like self-injury.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Summers |first1=Jane |last2=Sharami |first2=Ali |last3=Cali |first3=Stefanie |last4=D'Mello |first4=Chantelle |last5=Kako |first5=Milena |last6=Palikucin-Reljin |first6=Andjelka |last7=Savage |first7=Melissa |last8=Shaw |first8=Olivia |last9=Lunsky |first9=Yona |title=Self-Injury in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: Exploring the Role of Reactivity to Pain and Sensory Input |journal=Brain Sci |date=November 2017 |volume=7 |issue=11 |page=140 |doi=10.3390/brainsci7110140 |pmid=29072583 |pmc=5704147 |doi-access=free }}</ref> This is done by creating a specialized plan that uses behavioral therapy techniques, such as positive or negative reinforcement, to encourage or discourage certain behaviors over-time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Applied Behavioral Strategies - Getting to Know ABA|url=http://www.appliedbehavioralstrategies.com/what-is-aba.html|access-date=2015-12-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007100326/http://www.appliedbehavioralstrategies.com/what-is-aba.html|archive-date=2015-10-07|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Occupational therapy]] helps autistic children and adults learn everyday skills that help them with daily tasks, such as personal hygiene and movement. These skills are then integrated into their home, school, and work environments. Therapists will oftentimes help patients learn to adapt their environment to their skill level.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crabtree |first=Lisa |date=2018 |title=Occupational Therapy's Role with Autism |url=https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/CY/Fact-Sheets/Autism%20fact%20sheet.ashx |website=American Occupational Therapy Association |access-date=2022-09-17 |archive-date=2019-01-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103173916/https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/CY/Fact-Sheets/Autism |url-status=live }}</ref> This type of therapy could help autistic people become more engaged in their environment.<ref name="autismspeaks.org">{{cite web|title=What Treatments are Available for Speech, Language and Motor Issues?|url=https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/what-treatments-are-available-speech-language-and-motor-impairments|website=Autism Speaks|access-date=2015-12-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222074105/https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/what-treatments-are-available-speech-language-and-motor-impairments|archive-date=2015-12-22|url-status=live}}</ref> An occupational therapist will create a plan based on the patient's needs and desires and work with them to achieve their set goals.{{cn|date=June 2022}}

[[Speech-language therapy]] can help those with autism who need to develop or improve communication skills. According to the organization Autism Speaks, “speech-language therapy is designed to coordinate the mechanics of speech with the meaning and social use of speech”.<ref name="autismspeaks.org"/> People with low-functioning autism may not be able to communicate with spoken words. Speech-language Pathologists (SLP) may teach someone how to communicate more effectively with others or work on starting to develop speech patterns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Speech and Language Therapy |url=http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/good-practice/written%20for%20you/parents-and-cares/pc%20speech%20and%20language%20therapy.aspx |website=Autism Education Trust |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325065737/http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk:80/good-practice/written%20for%20you/parents-and-cares/pc%20speech%20and%20language%20therapy.aspx |archive-date=2018-03-25}}</ref> The SLP will create a plan that focuses on what the child needs.

[[Sensory integration therapy]] helps people with autism adapt to different kinds of sensory stimuli. Many children with autism can be oversensitive to certain stimuli, such as lights or sounds, causing them to overreact. Others may not react to certain stimuli, such as someone speaking to them.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=M|last2=Segal|first2=J|last3=Hutman|first3=T|title=Autism Spectrum Disorders|url=https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/autism-spectrum-disorders.htm|website=HelpGuide|access-date=2022-09-17|archive-date=2022-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171401/https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/autism-spectrum-disorders.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Many types of therapy activities involve a form of play, such as using swings, toys and trampolines to help engage the patients with sensory stimuli.<ref name="autismspeaks.org"/> Therapists will create a plan that focuses on the type of stimulation the person needs integration with.{{cn|date=June 2022}}