Nature of Autism as a Spectrum Disorder

Naman Magan Bhatnagar

Blog Post 2

              This blog aims to analyse the reasoning behind considering Autism as a spectrum disorder and understanding how it improves the field of Psychology. To do so, I shall (1) introduce what Autism is, (2) explore what constitutes a spectrum disorder, (3) understand what makes Autism a spectrum disorder, (4) probe as to how this classification helps, (5) and analyse the reasons other disorders aren’t considered to be spectrum disorders.

              To provide a brief description of what Autism is, the American Psychology Association defines Autism as “a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviours” (American Psychology Association, 2018).

              Spectrum disorders like Autism, Bipolar disorder, and Schizophrenia “vary from person to person” (American Psychology Association, 2018) and can represent a range of severities ranging from relatively “severe” (Maser, 2002) to relatively “mild and non-clinical deficits” (Maser, 2002). This makes it tougher to assess spectrum disorders compared to other ones. Analysing such disorders helps better understand what was once seen as a single disorder by comparing and contrasting its symptoms & signs with those of its prospective cousins. This broadens the range for diagnosing a particular disorder. As a result, this helps to expand the known knowledge for all the ‘cousin’ disorders. Combining the research and possible treatment plans may thus help researchers find more avenues where answers may lie to help patients suffering from a single disorder.

              Autism Spectrum Disorder aligns perfectly with this spectrum. The National Institute of Mental Health specifically mentions that autism is a spectrum disorder “because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience” (National Institute of Mental Health, 2018). This is further emphasized by the Australian Government’s webpage on Autism: “no two people on the autism spectrum are alike” (The State of Victoria, 2018). The Australian Government further elaborates that there are 3 types of autism that comprise of the said spectrum: Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Development Disorder. Upon further research, it was found that these three types also “became part of one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5)” (Autism Speaks, 2019) After being considered as three separate disorders in DSM IV.

              Considering the three disorders together poses numerous benefits. According to Jack Maser, PhD and professor of psychiatry, we can see “core manifestations” (Maser, 2002) common to all disorders along with key factors that distinguish them from one another. For example, though Asperger’s syndrome shares symptoms such as possessing ADHD, problems expressing emotions and feelings, difficulty maintaining relationships, issues with motor skills, etc. with Autism patients, those with the syndrome may face no language delay, may have higher-than-average IQ, and may have brains that are wired differently than brains of those diagnosed with Autism (Michigan Medicine, 2019). Now, understanding those with Asperger’s syndrome in light of Autism and Pervasive Development Disorder helps better understand the nature of Autism as a whole and may help share diagnoses across patients with different disorders under the umbrella rather than approaching them separately. Although, why aren’t all disorders considered as spectrum disorders if their symptoms match? Where would one draw the line?

              The primary factor that prevents all disorders from being considered in a spectrum with other disorders is that other disorders possess a completely different set of symptoms that can be generalised to one disorder alone. Apart from this, little research was found regarding where one should draw the line. The recognition of autism as a spectrum disorder has only occurred in light of the DSM 5. According to PhD & MD Mackenzie and Julie Marks, “indeed, the “lumping” of autism spectrum disorders has caused quite a bit of debate in the medical community” (Marks, 2018). What would happen if the wrong disorders were considered under the same umbrella? What would the disadvantages of such broad, qualitative categorizations be? Though this isn’t to say spectrum disorders aren’t beneficial such as in the cases of Autism, Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more; this merely calls for more research and understanding into what makes a set of disorders a spectrum disorder.

              In conclusion, though the recognition of spectrum disorders as an umbrella-concept is relatively recent and requires more research and more specific & rigid definitions, considering potentially related disorders in light of each other does assist psychologists around the world better identify and diagnose patients with similar yet distinguishable traits. This, in turn, helps researchers around the world understand the broad context of disorders without requiring the backgrounds of thousands of patients.

References

American Psychology Association. (2018). What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Retrieved from American Psychology Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder

Autism Speaks. (2019). What Is Asperger Syndrome? Retrieved from Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-asperger-syndrome

Marks, J. (2018, 3 16). How Is Asperger’s Different From Autism? Retrieved from Everyday Health: https://www.everydayhealth.com/aspergers/how-aspergers-different-than-autism/

Maser, J. D. (2002). Spectrum concepts in major mental disorders. Spectrum concepts in major mental disorders, 25 (4). doi:10.1016/s0193-953x(02)00034-5

Michigan Medicine. (2019). Autism, Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Retrieved from Michigan Medicine: http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/autism.htm

National Institute of Mental Health. (2018, March). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml

The State of Victoria. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Retrieved from Better Health Channel: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd