The number of children affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rising in Russia and globally. The World Health Organization reports that autism affects about one in 100 children. At present, are there tests or analyses that can diagnose autism right from birth?
There are no definitive tests to determine autism in an unborn baby or a newborn. Yet researchers have identified several risk factors associated with developing ASD in children.
– What are these factors?
– Known risk factors include gestational diabetes, maternal use of the antiseizure drug valproic acid during pregnancy, and a heightened risk of miscarriage.
There are intriguing scientific studies examining maternal diet before conception and during pregnancy. These studies indicate that mothers of children with autism often showed nutritional deficiencies prior to and during pregnancy, with lower intake of meat and vegetables and reduced calcium consumption.
Does this mean vegans or vegetarians are at higher risk?
– This question requires more research.
– Are there maternal markers that reliably signal a child’s future risk of autism?
There is ongoing global research into such markers. Immunological, neurophysiological, and metabolic abnormalities have been identified, and this area remains rich with new findings. However, it is not yet possible to predict with certainty that a child will develop autism based on these markers alone.
– How often does a situation arise where a child develops normally until about age one and a half to two years, begins to speak and then loses these skills?
Loss of social or communication abilities can occur at any stage in ASD. In some hereditary conditions, a similar loss of skills may also occur.
– At what age can early neurodevelopmental signs of ASD be detected in an infant?
Recently, a scientific conference at the Russian National Research Medical University highlighted early detection. An event titled “Autism. Doctors, Patients, Parents: Together for People with ASD” discussed that infant neurodevelopmental issues can be identified in the first two months of life. Signs include emotional responses and smiles, while by about two months infants may begin to walk, make cooing sounds, track a toy with their eyes, hold their head upright, and start to babble around four months. Absence of these milestones should prompt caution and a medical check during routine visits.
– Some babies may smile soon after birth. Does that always indicate healthy development?
– A baby’s smile is a powerful communication tool, but a smile that arises from inner joy and satisfaction is more meaningful than a reflexive or purely social gesture. If a genuine, responsive smile is lacking, it may signal developmental differences and should be discussed with a pediatrician.
What other red flags suggest autism?
– Not responding to name, appearing to be deaf, not smiling at others, not using pointing gestures, not speaking by 16 months, and having limited or atypical speech by 24 months are common concerns.
– So if a child communicates poorly but otherwise behaves normally, could autism still be suspected?
– Communication difficulties are a central indicator of developmental deviations. Parents may notice their child not engaging with peers or becoming stuck in repetitive routines. A pediatrician can screen for neurodevelopmental issues and refer the child for evaluation by a neurologist and other specialists. If there is a concern that the child is pretending to be deaf, a hearing assessment is warranted.
The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is confirmed only after a comprehensive screening and examination by a psychiatrist.
– Do autistic children tend to be born to parents over the age of forty?
The age of parents matters because genetic disruptions increase with age and so do new mutations. Heredity also plays a role. If autism exists in a family, the risk of having another child with ASD rises.
– Some families have two or three autistic children, right?
– Yes, which is described as a syndromic presentation of autism. In such cases, a geneticist is often involved to differentiate autism from related syndromes and to guide future family planning.
– When can autism be diagnosed with confidence rather than merely suspected?
– In Russia, the timing of autism risk screening is defined by the Ministry of Health. At 24 months, parents complete M-CHAT-R/F, a 20-question screen with yes or no responses. Scores categorize risk as low, medium, or high. Positive results require a thorough examination by a pediatrician, neurologist, and audiologist, and a psychiatrist makes the final ASD diagnosis when indicated.
– What measures follow a potential diagnosis? Do they involve medication or training?
– Russia has established early intervention services for children aged 0 to 3 who are identified as at risk. A multidisciplinary team, including pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other specialists, supports the child and family. Behavioral therapy and psychological support are central, while medication is reserved for specific, strict indications under psychiatric supervision.
Early diagnosis and intervention markedly improve health, behavior, socialization, and overall quality of life. It is important to acknowledge that children with autism often contend with additional health challenges.
What comorbid conditions appear most frequently with autism?
– Some studies link higher rates of food allergies and gastrointestinal issues with autism. Orthopedic injuries such as sprains and dislocations, as well as dental problems, appear more commonly in affected children. Sensory differences, including taste sensitivity, can influence picky eating, complicating dietary expansion for many youngsters with ASD.
Researchers at the Research Institute of Pediatrics and Child Health are refining care models for children with ASD. A collaborative approach involves pediatricians, psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists, allergists, gastroenterologists, geneticists, audiologists, and others. Diagnostic workups may include laboratory tests and imaging as needed, with the aim of delivering early, dynamic, multidisciplinary care that actively involves parents and improves outcomes.
Is there a rising prevalence of ASD each year?
– Measuring prevalence precisely is challenging. Some U.S. studies indicate that autism is identified in a range of roughly 3.6 to 7.3 percent among school-age children, with differences across ethnic, socioeconomic, and regional lines. In Russia, the official prevalence set by the health ministry is about 1 percent; reported rates vary by region, sample, and methodology.