Individuals with autism experience a range of characteristics. Many are affected by additional symptoms, as well as co-morbid physical and mental health conditions, which may require additional support or management. However, a large proportion of people do not necessarily need any medical management, but simply benefit from receiving a diagnosis.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain of a person with autism spectrum disorder. Autism may create social challenges and impair both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder tend to like routines and deviation from these routines may induce anxiety or distress.
What Causes Autism?
There is no single known cause of autism. It is largely believed that both genetics and environment may play a role. Whilst studies show there are differences in activity between certain regions of the brain in people with or without autism spectrum disorder, it is not known if these lead to the development of autism or are instead a consequence of autism.
Children born with a very low birth weight are more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and autism spectrum disorder is more common in people born as males.
Symptoms of Autism
Autism symptoms or characteristics can become apparent as early as 12-months-old. Autistic traits include:
- Delayed language, movement, cognitive or learning skills are the first obvious signs. These may be accompanied by being more advanced than typical in another domain of development
- Restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests
- Hyperactivity and impulsiveness
- Inattentive behaviour (lack of concentration or focus)
- Unusual sleeping or eating habits
- Atypical mood or emotional reactions (may be stoic when other children would be excited, may react strongly to seemingly minor things)
- Interests or difficulties with different sensations (i.e. light, touch, smell etc.)
- May worry excessively or experience anxiety or stress
- Either a lack of fear or fear more than most
Types of Autism
Doctors used to use different names for different types of autism, partly depending on how severe someone’s symptoms were.
But doctors rarely make those distinctions anymore as it is recognised that these characteristics exist on a spectrum. In fact, many people who do not have an autism diagnosis have some traits that are characteristic of autism, but do not meet the diagnostic criteria. You’re more likely to hear the condition called autism spectrum disorder (ASD for short) as a result.
However, the previously described ‘types’ of autism are:
- Asperger’s syndrome – a milder form of autism. May be highly intelligent and able to live a normal life. Highly focused on topics they are passionate about and can be highly successful, but may struggle with certain social situations.
- Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). More severe than Asperger’s syndrome but not as severe as autistic disorder.
- Autistic disorder. Symptoms are similar to that of Asperger’s and PDD-NOS but more intense and impactful on a person’s life.
- Childhood disintegrative disorder. A rarer form of autism that usually impacted children between the ages of 2 and 4. Children with childhood disintegrative disorder would develop normally but then quickly lose many social, language, and mental skills and often developed a seizure disorder.
Autism Diagnosis
There is no medical or blood test for autism, an ASD diagnosis is given following a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional qualified to diagnose ASD.
For children with autism, diagnosis is given based on a child’s development and behaviour using certain tests such as:
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
- Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO)
- Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
When it comes to diagnosing autism in adults, a healthcare professional will ask questions and evaluate the responses as well as considering self-reported symptoms.
- They may also use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
Autism Treatment
Early intervention is the best way to help an individual manage symptoms if necessary. In particular, parent-mediated interventions for the core features of autism spectrum disorder can help improve social interaction in later life.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ treatment – it depends on an individual’s symptoms and severity of autism. Indeed, many individuals may not need any treatment and will still lead highly successful lives.
Known treatments include:
- Behavioural therapies and education and school-based therapies
- Family support and education
Medication including:
- Anti-depressant (SSRIs) and anti-anxiety medications
- Psychoactive or anti-psychotic medication which can reduce irritability and agitation
- Stimulants to help with coexisting ADHD
- Anti-convulsant medicines to treat seizures associated with ASD
Can I get medical cannabis for Autism
Medical cannabis can be prescribed to eligible patients for certain symptoms associated with ASD, such as anxiety, restlessness, and low mood. Research is ongoing, and effects can vary, but for some, it may be an appropriate option. Our team is here to help you explore if medical cannabis is right for you. Sign up with us to check your eligibility to see a compassionate psychiatrist who specialises in ASD. Your well-being is our priority, and we’ll support you in making informed decisions about your health and assessing whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you.
For further information and to find out more about medical cannabis, click here to discover more about our award-winning Curaleaf Access Scheme. Alternatively, complete an eligibility assessment now.Once complete, one of our clinicians will review your application and advise whether you are eligible for progression to an appointment.
