Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the medical name for autism: a lifelong difference in how the brain develops that shapes how a person communicates, relates to others, handles routine and change, and responds to sound, light and touch. It starts in early childhood, whether or not anyone notices then. It is not an illness, and there is nothing to cure.

Also called: autism; being “on the spectrum”; autism spectrum condition. Older labels now within ASD include Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder.

This is a short definition. Our guides Autism in Nigeria: Signs, Diagnosis, Support and Autism in Adults cover the signs, assessment in Nigeria and the myths.

Signs and symptoms

Every autistic person is different. Common threads:

Communication: late speech in children; finding conversation, hints and tone of voice hard work; taking things literally.
Routines and interests: strong routines, distress when they change, deep and lasting interests.
Senses: noise, light, textures or certain foods landing far more intensely, or being sought out.

Many adults hide these differences (“masking”), which is exhausting and is one reason autism gets missed, especially in women. The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 127 people were autistic in 2021.

Causes

Autism has a strong genetic component and often runs in families. It is not caused by vaccines, by parenting or by anything spiritual.

Treatment

Support, not cure: speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, adjustments at school or work, and therapy for the anxiety or depression that often come with autism. No medicine treats autism itself. Many autistic adults prefer “autistic person” and many professionals say “person with autism”; a UK survey found no term everyone accepts.

In Nigeria

Research is sparse. Diagnosis is often delayed by “he will talk when he is ready”, and at one neuropsychiatric hospital, prayer houses and healers were among the first places families went. Not meeting an elder’s eyes is respect here, not autism.

ASD vs acute stress disorder

The same initials also stand for acute stress disorder, a reaction in the weeks after a frightening event. Social anxiety can look like autism, but it doesn’t involve lifelong differences in communication plus repetitive patterns.

When to get help

For a child, start with a paediatrician or family doctor, who can refer for assessment. If a child is distressed or unsafe, Cece Yara’s free child line is 0800 800 8001. Parents can book a licensed therapist for themselves through family and parenting therapy. Adults can ask a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist about assessment, and can book a therapist who works with neurodevelopmental conditions.