Epoch HealthAutism Spectrum Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States, with prevalence nearly tripling since 2000. Recent research indicates that ASD develops through a combination of genetic factors (contributing 40-80% of risk), environmental influences, and abnormal brain development. The condition presents varying symptoms across individuals, necessitating personalized treatment approaches and early intervention strategies.

Key Points:

• Current diagnostic criteria follow DSM-5-TR’s three-level severity rating system, replacing the previous five subtypes with a unified ASD diagnosis
• Males are diagnosed four times more frequently than females, with females often showing different manifestation patterns including enhanced reciprocal conversation skills and more effective masking behaviors
• Genetic studies have identified more than 1,000 associated genes, with rare mutations in genes like ADNP, ARID1B, and SHANK3 directly causing 2-4% of cases
• Early intervention is crucial, with reliable diagnosis possible by age 2, though misdiagnosis rates may range from 23-47% of diagnosed cases
• Treatment approaches combine behavioral interventions (ABA, ESDM, Floortime), medication for specific symptoms, and natural approaches including omega-3 supplementation and dietary modifications
• Comorbidities affect up to 80% of patients, including sleep issues, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and epilepsy, with mortality rates twice that of the general population

In a 2024 cohort study, researchers discovered that a higher level of maternal autistic traits was associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, particularly very preterm birth. (JAMA Network Open)

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