Autism Testing
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, over 75 million people around the world fall on the autism spectrum. Despite its prevalence, it’s a frequently misunderstood disorder, and this misunderstanding is exacerbated by stereotypes and ill-advised representations in the media. Autistic people are often depicted as irrational, unpredictable, and socially incompetent. The truth, though, is quite different — in fact, people with autism are often kind, empathetic, and intelligent. Still, autism spectrum disorder comes with a set of unique challenges, and these challenges must not be overlooked.
If you suspect that you may be on the spectrum or you’ve observed autistic symptoms in your child or teen, you might be wondering what to do next. You should first take steps to understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and consider seeking a professional diagnosis.
What Is Autism?
Before you seek treatment or diagnosis, you must first understand exactly what autism is. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a mental illness — although it can overlap with some mental health issues. Rather, it’s a developmental disability that affects a person’s social skills, communication abilities, and behavior. Although autism was previously thought to affect only boys, it’s become apparent that it also affects girls, nonbinary people, and adults, too.
History
Many people mistakenly perceive autism in Nashville as a uniquely recent phenomenon. This belief might be spurred by the massive uptick in diagnoses that began in the 2000s. While only four or five kids out of 10,000 were diagnosed in the 70s, some experts say that half of all kids may be diagnosed by 2025. Though autism awareness and diagnoses have certainly increased in recent years. The history of autism dates back over a century ago, with the word “autism” first appearing in 1908.
The word was initially used in reference to people with schizophrenia who exhibited social withdrawal and apparent self-absorption. Eventually, though, the meaning of the word morphed. Its current connotation emerged in 1943 when psychiatrist Leo Kanner published the results of a study involving 11 children. Kanner’s research cemented the criteria for an autism diagnosis that is still used today.
Symptoms
Konner’s research identified several unique traits that the children in his study all shared, including difficulty communicating, emotional detachment, and unique gesticulations. It should be noted that symptoms can vary widely, but these characteristics are indeed indicative of ASD. Some other signs of autism in Nashville include the following:
- Delayed development
- Nonverbal communication
- Unusual eating habits
- Difficulty learning
- Impulsivity or hyperactivity
- Emotional dysregulation
If you or your child is experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s a strong indication of ASD. Diagnosis and treatment can help people with autism mitigate any negative impact that their symptoms may have on their lives.
Causes
Many people wonder what causes autism, and there’s no clear answer to this question. The aforementioned increase in diagnoses has led some to hypothesize that it’s the result of too much TV exposure or other ills of modernity. Some of these hypotheses have roots in truth — for example, it is true that there is a positive correlation between increased screen time and ASD symptoms. It’s unlikely that a single cause like this is solely responsible for autism, though.
Physiologically, autism is thought to be caused by a combination of neurological and environmental factors. One study also found that 80% of a person’s risk for autism can be attributed to heredity. This research supports the supposition that autism can be passed down through generations and challenges the idea that it’s exclusively caused by a person’s environment.
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
People who are experiencing symptoms of autism in Nashville can benefit from a diagnosis — but how is a diagnosis given? No single test or screening can either confirm or rule out autism. But you can pursue a diagnosis by consulting with a specialist. Many different mental health and medical professionals can offer this service, and they’ll typically consider the following factors in their assessment.
Developmental History
One of the most important factors in an autism assessment in Nashville is a person’s developmental history. Developmental delays emerge in early childhood and are often the first sign that a person may be autistic. Some examples of such delays include the following:
- Learning slowly compared to peers
- Missing developmental milestones
- Limited mobility and movement of limbs
- Limited or no spoken communication
In addition to autism, developmental delays can be indicative of cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to identify what might be causing these issues and rule out any physical illness.
Prevalence of Symptoms
An autism diagnosis will also be based on how prevalent a person’s symptoms are. While a lack of verbal communication is a symptom of autism, for example, it isn’t enough to confirm a diagnosis in isolation. A medical professional will also need to assess the presence of other symptoms and determine the degree to which they impact a person’s ability to function.
This part of the assessment will also address how a person deals with their symptoms. Many autistic people may find that they employ a coping mechanism called “masking,” which involves mimicking the behaviors of others in order to conceal traits that indicate autism. People who do this might not display typical symptoms of autism, but that’s not because they aren’t present — it’s simply because the person goes to great lengths to minimize them.
Collaborative Diagnosis
Because autism can affect a person’s physical development, speech, behavior, and mental health, there is no single autism expert who’s solely qualified to offer a diagnosis. Rather, diagnoses usually result from a collaborative process that often starts with a person’s primary care provider. A doctor will likely refer patients to a specialist for further assessment. And in some cases, that specialist may be a mental health provider.
A nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health can offer testing services for an autism diagnosis. Nurse practitioners are uniquely qualified to assess autism because they are experts in a wide range of symptoms. In addition to offering a diagnosis, they can help you formulate a plan for managing symptoms of autism in Nashville, including its impact on mental health.
How Does Autism Affect Mental Health?
Autism intersects with mental health in several ways. However, there isn’t a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Research indicates that mental health struggles may be more common among people with autism. One organization in the U.K. states that seven out of ten autistic people also have a mental health condition, which is considerably higher than the average of one in five that represents the general population, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Depression
One of the most obvious examples of autism’s effect on mental health can be seen in the disproportionate appearance of depression in autistic people. In fact, autistic people are four times more likely to struggle with depression than neurotypical people. Depressive symptoms, like autistic symptoms, may be rooted in neurological aberrations — and this may explain why the two commonly coincide.
Treatment for depression may be beneficial for autism, too. Some research indicates that in addition to mitigating symptoms of depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may treat symptoms of autism, such as aggression and repetitive behaviors. SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin that’s available in the brain and regulating serotonergic dysfunction. Several studies have established a link between autism and the serotonin system, indicating that SSRIs may be an effective treatment option. Working with a mental health professional is the best way to obtain a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan for autism.
Anxiety
Anxiety is yet another common area of overlap with ASD. In fact, anxiety is sometimes considered a symptom of autism because it is so common. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40% of people who have autism also struggle with symptoms of anxiety. Much like depression, this coincidence of symptoms may be due to neurological symptoms or an imbalance of serotonin and dopamine.
A psychiatric provider will identify the ideal treatment option for anybody who experiences both autism and anxiety. In addition to SSRIs and other medication options, a mental health provider can offer help connecting with therapy and other helpful resources. Anxiety can exacerbate autistic symptoms such as repetitive behaviors and aggression, and some people with autism also report that anxiety worsens as they get older. It’s important to find a solution for these problems.
Find Support and Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nashville
If you or your child is living with symptoms of autism, it can be overwhelming to wonder whether autism is indeed the culprit. Rather than guessing, though, you can get answers. Investing in an autism assessment can reveal the root of symptoms such as social challenges, nonverbal communication, and delayed development. Getting a diagnosis is especially important when autistic symptoms overlap with depressive or anxious symptoms.
Rose Behavioral Health specializes in providing treatment and diagnosis to autistic adults and children. We serve people in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Clarksville, and throughout the state of Tennessee. Contact us for more information or to schedule a session.
