When autism is detected early, some symptoms may disappear

Dr. Beatriz Payá, a psychiatrist and coordinator of the Child Psychiatry Unit at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital (Santander, Spain), explains what Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are. This group of conditions, which includes Asperger’s Syndrome, affects one in every 100 children in Spain.
 
What is Asperger’s Syndrome, and How Does it Relate to Autism?
Asperger’s Syndrome is a classic term once used to describe a condition within the autism spectrum. It was distinguished by two key features: children with Asperger’s exhibit autism symptoms but have a normal IQ and no language impairments. However, this classification is now outdated. Today, we refer to ASD, which encompasses all conditions sharing common symptoms, including Asperger’s, though with varying degrees of severity. These classifications have evolved over time.
 
Child psychiatry focuses on diagnosing and treating neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. While pediatric neurologists are also trained to address these conditions, child psychiatrists often take the lead in managing pharmacological treatments. This is because autism-related behavioral issues or symptoms may require medications that psychiatrists are specialized in prescribing. A multidisciplinary team is essential for accurate diagnosis.
 
How Are These Conditions Detected and Addressed?
Symptoms can now be identified as early as 18 months—or even earlier—though most diagnoses occur around ages 3 or 4. Early detection is critical for effective treatment and better outcomes. In milder cases, however, diagnosis can be challenging. Some individuals show no clear symptoms until adolescence, when unusual behaviors emerge in response to stress or difficulties adapting to certain contexts. These milder cases often go undiagnosed in childhood and surface later in life.
 
Pediatricians play a vital role, as do parents, in spotting early signs. These may include a child avoiding eye contact, not responding to smiles or hugs, or using toys in a repetitive manner. If a pediatrician notices such signs, they refer the child to Early Intervention services, where support across various areas can begin. Simultaneously, the child may be referred to Child Psychiatry or Pediatric Neurology.
 
In Child Psychiatry, the child is clinically assessed through parental interviews and observation, using increasingly specialized tools. Once ASD is diagnosed, the child is referred to Pediatric Neurology for genetic testing and additional evaluations, such as blood tests, genetic analysis, and brain imaging. This thorough process ensures a precise diagnosis and rules out other conditions with similar symptoms.
 
What About Treatment?
Treatment involves two key components: supporting the family and intervening with the child. Family support is especially crucial in the early stages after diagnosis—informing and guiding parents while helping them understand that outcomes vary depending on severity. Some children with ASD lead fully independent lives. Meanwhile, intervention with the child focuses on their specific needs.
 
From ages 3 or 4, interventions often take place in schools, where speech therapists and other professionals provide tailored support. In psychiatry and psychology, children work on social skills, and parents receive guidance to assist their child effectively.
 
What Are the Characteristics of Individuals with These Conditions?
ASD is marked by persistent challenges in communication and social interaction. This can include difficulties with socio-emotional reciprocity—such as trouble holding conversations, sharing emotions, or responding to social cues. Nonverbal and verbal communication may also be affected, with poorly integrated gestures or facial expressions. Some individuals struggle to understand social contexts, showing less interest or behaving inappropriately due to this lack of comprehension.
 
Additionally, individuals often exhibit repetitive patterns and interests, such as repetitive movements, distress over changes in routine, or difficulty with transitions—all of which can complicate daily life.
 
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
What’s increasingly clear is the value of early detection. When intensive intervention begins at age two, some symptoms can even disappear.
 
Source: Cantabria College of Physicians
 

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