Autistic spectrum disorder
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive and life-long disorder, characterised by profound deficits in communication and social understanding, together with ritualistic and obsessional behaviours and a general resistance to change.
There used to be a lot of emphasis in separating those with autism from those with Asperger's (which has always been considered to be a form of autism in which people function at a higher level). This distinction is now being abandoned and the DSM-V groups them all into one category (ASD). The ICD-11 is expected to do the same.
Approximately 30% of children with ASD are intellectually disabled. Of these, a greater proportion are severely or profoundly disabled than are mild to moderately disabled (Saddock 2014).
The male to female ratio of ASD is estimated to be 4:1. The prevalence of ASD is estimated to be 1%.
Both genetic and environmental factors seem to cause ASD. The following risk factors have been the most consistent (CDC 2017):
Saddock (2014). Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry.
There used to be a lot of emphasis in separating those with autism from those with Asperger's (which has always been considered to be a form of autism in which people function at a higher level). This distinction is now being abandoned and the DSM-V groups them all into one category (ASD). The ICD-11 is expected to do the same.
Approximately 30% of children with ASD are intellectually disabled. Of these, a greater proportion are severely or profoundly disabled than are mild to moderately disabled (Saddock 2014).
The male to female ratio of ASD is estimated to be 4:1. The prevalence of ASD is estimated to be 1%.
Both genetic and environmental factors seem to cause ASD. The following risk factors have been the most consistent (CDC 2017):
- Family history. Particularly an affected sibling. Parents who have a child with ASD have a 2%18% chance of having a second child who is also affected.
- Children born to older parents are at a higher risk for having ASD.
- A small percentage of children who are born prematurely or with low birth weight are at greater risk for having ASD.
Saddock (2014). Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry.
