Simply explained: Autism – what is it actually?

Easily explained

Actually, the disease autism doesn’t exist. Because autism is above all else Collective term for various profound developmental disorders.

When making a diagnosis, for example, experts can choose between: Early childhood autism, Asperger syndrome and atypical autism differentiated. However, because these disorders are often difficult to differentiate from one another, doctors today often prefer to speak of them in general terms “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASS) as a common generic term.

Autistic people are different. But how different exactly?

Those affected often have problems understanding, establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships from an early age. Expressing and recognizing emotions, often causes great difficulties. That doesn’t mean that they don’t have feelings themselves, their problem lies in communicating them. Delayed and altered language development can also be among the symptoms. Some of those affected speak in a fairly monotonous tone and do not recognize linguistic nuances such as irony.

Also typical for autism are: frequently repetitive behaviors and highly limited, one-sided interests. Those affected usually react sensitively to changes. Likewise, too many stimuli in the form of noises, colors and effects. For some people, visiting a large supermarket, a fair or a concert is difficult to bear. About half of people with autism suffer from cognitive impairments or even intellectual disability. In addition, there are always very different side effects, such as difficulties with motor skills, anxiety disorders, depression or ADHD. Epilepsy and intestinal problems can also occur.

On the other hand, some people with autism spectrum disorder possess special skills in a certain area. Some people are considered geniuses in the field of mathematics or shine with an outstanding memory or musical ability. In these cases one also speaks of “island talent” or the “Savant Syndrome”.

Autism in all its variants

The Early Childhood Autism (also called Kanner syndrome) appears before the age of three. As a rule, all core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders are present – from problems in social interaction and communication to stereotypical behavior.

From atypical autism This is usually the case when individual or all symptoms only appear after the age of three.

The Asperger syndrome differs from other autism spectrum disorders primarily in that mental and linguistic development is normal.

How does the disorder arise? And can autism be cured?

Frequency: Studies assume that out of every hundred people there are one or a maximum of two on the autistic spectrum. In Germany that would be around a million people. Boys are more likely to become ill, but girls are often undiagnosed.

Causes: The exact causes of autism are not yet clear. Nevertheless, we know of factors that can increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. According to twin and family studies, for example, the influence of genes that are inherited is estimated to be between 40 and 80 percent. There are reports of structural and functional changes in certain regions of the brain. Individual illnesses in the parents can also play a role, such as epilepsy or metabolic diseases. During pregnancy, for example, infection with rubella viruses appears to increase the risk to the child.

Treatment: There are currently no medical treatments available to cure the developmental disorder. However, various measures such as behavioral or occupational therapy can improve the social and communication skills of people with autism – and thus increase their independence.