Lifelong Changes in Autism Traits and Tools for Effective Support

A study published in PNAS examined how the brains of autistic participants changed over time. The researchers identified nearly 200 genetic differences between autistic and neurotypical individuals (Zhang et al., 2023). One key aspect that the researchers noted was that some of these genes were linked to factors in the participants’ brains, such as immune response, neural transmissions, and inflammation.

Shaped by neurological and genetic factors, these traits affect how an individual changes as they get older. First emerging in childhood, these differences unfold throughout an autistic person’s life. As they do, they influence various cognitive processes, causing autism traits to shift over time.

Early detection assists with timely interventions that can significantly improve outcomes for people with autism at any age. Here’s a brief look at how autism traits can change throughout each person’s life cycle and the tools available to accurately assess and diagnose autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) across age, developmental level, and language skills.

The Developmental Trajectory of Autism

Understanding the developmental trajectory of autism, from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, is crucial for providing effective support and fostering personal growth.

Characteristics in Early Childhood

Children with ASD have unique brain activity, structures, and connections (Anderson et al., 2023). Their capacity for language and communication varies depending on intellectual and social development.

Children show symptoms of autism between 12 and 18 months of age, and these early signs manifest in specific behavioral patterns during development.

For example, kids with ASD may have difficulty understanding what others are saying to them and developing language skills. They may also find it challenging to communicate non-verbally through eye contact, hand gestures, and facial expressions.

Transitioning into Adolescence

As children with autism spectrum disorders enter their teen years, they are often faced with increased social challenges as peer interactions become more complicated. This period emphasizes the importance of peer relationships, but autistic adolescents may experience difficulties developing these connections. When this happens, it can lead to feelings of isolation.

Emotional regulation difficulties may also manifest during adolescence, potentially leading to anxiety or depression. Additionally, youths with ASD might struggle to exhibit adaptive emotional regulation strategies. They sometimes react impulsively to emotional stimuli when this happens.

Also, a study titled, “Explicit and Implicit Self-esteem in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” published in the international journal Autism, showed that teens with autism can also have increased self awareness of their differences compared to their typically developing peers. (Van der Cruijsen, et al., 2020).

Results of the study also showed that this increased awareness of “otherness” puts autistic youths at risk for developing low self-esteem.

Adulthood and Beyond

Support needs for autistic individuals can often shift in adulthood and late adulthood. Under this paradigm, some individuals gain independence while others may require lifelong assistance. Employment, relationships, and daily living skills become key areas of focus.

Autistic adults may face unique health challenges due to factors such as hyperresponsiveness, an overly sensitive response to sound, light, and texture. Challenges such as these can lead to an increased risk of health conditions, including mental health conditions like anxiety. A study published in PubMed suggests that around 20% of autistic adults have an anxiety disorder, compared to less than 9% of neurotypical adults (Nimmo-Smith et al., 2020).

Assessment of Symptom Severity

The assessment of symptom severity in those with autism is paramount to helping develop effective support strategies. And since symptom severity can change over time, periodic reassessment ensures that interventions remain appropriate and effective.

Methods of Assessment

Authors, clinicians, educators, and researchers can use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS®-2), a widely used assessment tool that allows clinicians and researchers to accurately assess and diagnose autism spectrum disorders and their symptoms across age, developmental level, and language skills.

Additionally, the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS™-2) provide evaluators with an efficient method of systematically gathering and organizing the information needed to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder in children, teens, and adults.

The Role of IQ in Communication

IQ levels greatly influence the language development and problem-solving capabilities of autistic individuals. For example, an autistic person may have strong verbal skills but interpret body language incorrectly or misunderstand verbal cues.

Another case might be someone who is nonverbal or has limited speech using an augmentative or assistive communication device to convey their speech.

Recognizing these individuals’ cognitive strengths and challenges is essential for creating effective communication strategies and interventions.