Go Back To Menu
Close
Autism
MENU

Autism Overview

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a biologically based neurodevelopmental abnormality characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Symptoms usually appear before the age of 3, and most affected children also present with varying degrees of intellectual disability.

Global and National Prevalence

In recent years, the prevalence of autism has been on the rise. The overall prevalence of ASD in Europe, Asia, and the United States ranges from 2/1000 to 25/1000, or approximately 1/500 to 1/40. By 2012, surveillance data indicated that the prevalence had reached 1/68. ASD is 3 to 4 times more common in males than in females. Although autism in females is relatively rare, symptoms are often more severe, with higher likelihood of comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Main Harms

1. Social isolation

The core issue in autism is social impairment. Children often lack eye contact, fail to understand others’ emotions, and struggle to establish normal peer relationships. This persistent isolation creates significant challenges in school and society.

2. Language impairment

Many children with autism have delayed speech development or lack verbal ability. Some children can speak but cannot communicate effectively, such as failing to take conversational turns or understand metaphors and jokes. This greatly restricts their learning and communication capacity.

3. Repetitive stereotyped behaviors

Autistic individuals often exhibit repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, spinning, or arranging objects, and are unusually sensitive to changes in daily routines. These behaviors not only limit activity range but also increase emotional instability.

4. Learning disabilities and emotional problems

Autism is frequently accompanied by attention deficits, anxiety, and obsessive tendencies, which impact learning efficiency. Misunderstanding and long-term isolation may lead to depression or self-injury, increasing caregiving challenges.

5. Comorbid psychiatric disorders

Autistic individuals are more prone to comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, further reducing their quality of life.

Emerging Treatments

1. Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy for autism is an emerging approach. With their self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential, stem cells can differentiate into neural cells, repair damaged nervous systems, and provide a new treatment direction for refractory autism cases.

Conventional Treatments

1. Behavioral therapy: Methods such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) use positive reinforcement to develop social and communication skills while reducing problematic behaviors.

2. Speech therapy: For children with delayed speech, personalized language training can improve expression and comprehension abilities.

3. Social skills training: Simulated and real-life scenario practice helps children strengthen social skills and better integrate into society.

4. Medication: For patients with severe behavioral problems or comorbid psychiatric conditions, medications such as antidepressants or anxiolytics may be used under medical supervision to relieve associated symptoms.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center state that early detection and intervention are crucial for the rehabilitation of children with autism. Parents should closely monitor developmental milestones and seek professional help when abnormalities are observed. Comprehensive treatment plans should be tailored to each child’s unique needs, emphasizing individualized, structured, and systematic interventions to maximize development and integration into society.