Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that shows difficulties in social communication and interaction. 

ASD includes symptoms related to skills, and impairments. It is classified into subtypes like autism and Asperger’s syndrome. 

Symptoms include difficulties with social interaction, verbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. 

The increasing rates is reported of autism spectrum disorder globally over the last 20 years. 

Approximately 400,000 individuals in the US are estimated to have AS and reported global prevalence is 7.6 cases per 100 cases. 

ASD occurs significantly higher among boys as compared to girls. 

The amygdala and hippocampus may enlarge in childhood. Autopsy shows additional neurons in prefrontal cortex in some children. 

The behavioral inhibition is connected to lower GABA levels and low serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin responsible for abnormal affiliative behavior. 

Abnormal neuron patches found in frontal, temporal lobes affect social, emotional, communication functions. 

The cause of ASD still unknown due to obstetric complications and genetics. 

Individuals with autism experienced unwanted events during their prenatal, neonatal, and at time birth. 

ASD rate in children born to families with a child with this disorder is up to 18.7%. The risk is doubled in families with more than 2 children with ASD. 

Prognosis in ASD patients linked to intelligent quotient i.e., IQ. The low-functioning patients may require lifelong home and residential care.  

High-functioning patients can lead independent lives, successfully hold jobs, and even marry and have children. 

Individuals with good language skills and expressive abilities, tend to express better social communication. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects individuals of all ages starting from early childhood to adulthood.  

Neurological Examination 

Head and Facial Examination 

Vision and Hearing Screening  

Individuals with ASD show mild or severe symptoms, affecting their daily functioning and quality of life. 

Individuals face challenges with intellectual disability, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and loss of sensory ability. 

Early intervention procedures include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis to give better results in given treatment. 

Social skills training programs assist individuals with ASD to enhance their social interaction skills and relationships. 

Education in psychology should be given to families dealing with the challenges of raising a child with autism. 

Pediatrics, General

Cognitive behavior therapy is indicated in individuals to manage negative thoughts and anxiety-inducing social situations. 

The detailed study is required to evaluate the effectiveness of family therapy in treating individuals with ASD as it has main role in treatment of this disorder.  

The body-mind exercise practice aims to alleviate the severity of sensory and language dysfunction in children with ASD. 

Pediatrics, General

Risperidone: It is used to treat irritability linked to ASD in children and adolescents. 

Risperidone is potent antagonist for 5-HT2 and less potent antagonist for dopamine D2. 

Aripiprazole: It is a partial dopamine and serotonin agonist, or antagonist and it is available in the form of tablet, disintegrating tablet, oral solution. 

Pediatrics, General

Citalopram: It increases serotonin levels by blocking reuptake, is linked to QT prolongation at high doses. 

Escitalopram: It is an S-enantiomer of citalopram, enhances serotonin activity in CNS, inhibits neuronal reuptake of serotonin. 

Pediatrics, General

Methylphenidate: It blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, that increases their release into extra neuronal space. 

Pediatrics, General

Clonidine: They activate and stimulate inhibitory neurons and reduce sympathetic outflow, thus causing decrease in vasomotor tone and heart rate. 

Guanfacine: It binds alpha-2A adrenoreceptors in the prefrontal cortex, that enhance the delay-related firing of neurons. 

Pediatrics, General

Applied behavior analysis is a systematic intervention method implemented in patients for its better result. 

Arrange social skills training programs for individuals which deals with social interaction, communication, and social-emotional gap due to autism. 

Pediatrics, General

In the initial diagnosis phase, the physician assesses symptoms related to autism, including developmental pediatricians, speech-language, and occupational therapies. 

The regular follow-up visits with the physician are required to check the improvement of patients and newly observed complaints. 

The long-term management phase is important phase involves continuous monitoring and progress of treatment.