Pediatric Psychology 2: Autism

Written by: Caroline Kim

June 29, 2024

In continuation of our most recent blog, we will discuss yet another prominent topic within the realm of pediatric psychology: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The NIH defines ASD as “... a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave”, with symptoms generally emerging by the age of 2. Common symptoms include difficulty communicating with others, repetitive behaviors, inconsistent eye contact, and restricted interests (nimh.nih.gov. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.”). As this is a spectrum disorder, the kind of symptoms and their severities vary. 

It is estimated that ASD affects 1 in 36 children  and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. (Autismspeaks.org.). It is also important to note that boys are four times as likely to have autism than girls, and that statistics vary slightly across different racial and ethnic groups. The CDC provides data tools on their websites, allowing for a visualization of how ASD varies geographically and ethnically. 

While the primary causes of autism are not yet clear, research suggests that the conjunction of an individual’s genes can lead to ASD: “the number of genes predicted to carry risk for ASD has steadily increased, now reaching well into the hundreds” (State). Among these are having a sibling with ASD, having older parents, having a low birth weight, and having certain genetic conditions (nimh.nih.gov. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.”). UCLA health also notes that while genetic factors contribute more towards ASD, environmental factors can also play a role: “Autism is hereditary and therefore does run in families. A majority (around 80%) of autism cases can be linked to inherited genetic mutations.” (Bell).  According to the NIH, “Numerous studies have also shown that autism can often be comorbid with other neurological and psychiatric disorders… moreover, there are several medical conditions comorbid to autism such as immunological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, sleep-related breathing disorders, and there are several genetic syndromes commonly associated with autism” (Marotta). Another key detail to be noted is that autism is known to develop during fetal development and early brain development, suggesting that it is not something that can develop later in life (Bell). In researching the neurochemistry behind ASD, neurotransmitters are a large topic, considering “a neurotransmitter system dysfunction can lead to impairments in the processes of brain development, determining autism” (Marotta). For further detailed information on the linkage of neurotransmitters with ASD and the biology of ASD, I highly recommend reading “The Neurochemistry of Autism” (source (5) )and “The Emerging Biology of Autism Spectrum Disorders” (source (6)). 

While there is no known cure for ASD, a variety of early intervention and treatments exist. Some options may include behavior/communication therapy, educational therapy, or family therapy; while medications for autism itself do not exist, there are medications that alleviate symptoms such as hyperactivity (MayoClinic). 

Sources:

1. Autismspeaks.org. “Autism Statistics and Facts.” Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd#:~:text=Autism%20Prevalence&text=1%20in%2036%20children%20in,rate%20of%201%20in%2044.&text=In%20the%20U.S.%2C%20about%204,diagnosed%20with%20autism%20than%20girls. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

2. nimh.nih.gov. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

3. Bell, Ashley. “Is Autism Genetic?” UCLA Med School, 19 Apr. 2024, medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/is-autism-genetic#:~:text=Yes%2C%20a%20majority%20of%20autism,mutations%20that%20run%20in%20families. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

4. MayoClinic. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352934. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

5. Marotta, Rosa, et al. “The Neurochemistry of Autism.” Brain Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 13 Mar. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139720/. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

6. State, Matthew W, and Nenad Šestan. “Neuroscience. the Emerging Biology of Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Science (New York, N.Y.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3657753/. Accessed 28 June 2024.