An early diagnosis helps both the individual and the specialist, because it gives time to understand the person’s needs and put the right support in place.
Lack of Research is believed to be the cause of Delayed Autism Diagnosis in Adults
Speaking to Autism360, Fuad Alkoot (PAAET, Kuwait) and Abdullah Alagallaf (Kuwait University) said that, unlike many medical conditions where a large body of research already exists, autism research is still evolving.
The two researchers pointed out that in areas such as cancer and hepatitis, where research has been carried out on a large scale, there have been major technological advances in recent years.
They said research on a similar scale is needed in autism to improve the lives of millions of families around the world.
Researchers have also proposed many autism tests and diagnostic methods that could help show how and when autism traits first appear.
Revelations in Recent Study
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) looked at two genetic testing technologies that were new at the time: chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and whole-exome sequencing (WES). (This post was written in 2016, and the study dates from around then.)
These tests help scientists identify genetic changes linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder, and could help show which genetic changes are shared by children with similar autism traits.
In the group of children studied, a genetic (molecular) diagnosis was found for 24 children using CMA and for 8 children using WES. Some children had both tests.
How often the tests found a genetic cause varied a lot between children on the spectrum. The tests were more likely to find a cause in children with ASD who also had more complex physical features on examination.
Studies like this could help explain some of the biological differences in people diagnosed with ASD, and help researchers understand which genes are involved.
It is also well known that autism symptoms can change over time as a person grows and their environment changes.
The researchers stressed the importance of deeper research, because an earlier diagnosis can give people more support options as they grow up, and help adults who were missed as children finally understand themselves.
When early signs are noticed and a diagnosis is made sooner, clinicians can plan support earlier and more flexibly.
A better understanding of ASD, and deeper research, could also explain how genetic and environmental factors work together in autism.
According to the researchers, deeper research could mean that early behavioural signs are identified sooner than they are today.
This would help specialists recognise which children are likely to be autistic, so families can get understanding and support early.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
