AUTISMO: O que é? O que causa? Qual é o tratamento? Dr. Lucelmo Lacerda

Summary

In this video, Dr. Solução Lacerda, a researcher specializing in autism, provides an informative overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), covering its definition, causes, and evidence-based treatments. He explains the diagnostic criteria for autism, including social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, and details its genetic and environmental causes. The video emphasizes the importance of scientifically-backed treatments such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Sensory Integration Therapy, as well as medications for secondary symptoms like aggression. Dr. Lacerda encourages viewers to rely on proven approaches and share the knowledge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by two main criteria: social communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
• 😀 ASD can manifest differently in each person, with varying severity and support needs, but it’s important to note that severity is based on the level of support required, not symptom intensity.
• 😀 Early diagnosis in childhood is crucial, and the condition must cause significant challenges to daily functioning in order to be classified as autism.
• 😀 Autistic individuals should receive help and interventions tailored to their needs; without this help, it cannot be considered autism.
• 😀 The causes of autism are multifactorial, with about 81% being genetic and passed down from parents, though mutations can also occur during development.
• 😀 The possibility of environmental factors influencing autism (such as infections or drug use during pregnancy) is present, but is much rarer, accounting for only 1-3% of cases.
• 😀 The age of parents, particularly fathers over 35 years old, can increase the likelihood of mutations in genetic material, potentially contributing to autism.
• 😀 Effective treatments for autism include interventions based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), both of which have robust scientific evidence supporting their efficacy.
• 😀 Medications may not treat autism directly, but two drugs—aripiprazole and risperidone—can help manage secondary symptoms like aggression and irritability.
• 😀 Melatonin is a supplement that can assist individuals with autism in managing sleep-related issues due to irregular hormone production.
• 😀 Science-based treatments are critical; only evidence-backed therapies should be used to ensure individuals receive the help they need, avoiding unproven or commercially motivated alternatives.

Q & A

What is autism according to the script?

Autism is a spectrum disorder defined by two main criteria: deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors.

What are the diagnostic criteria for autism?

The criteria for diagnosing autism include: symptoms must appear in early childhood, cause significant impairment, and cannot be better explained by other conditions like intellectual disabilities.

What are the main causes of autism?

The causes of autism are primarily genetic (81%), with 18% linked to spontaneous genetic mutations and 1-3% to environmental factors during pregnancy, such as exposure to specific medications or infections.

How does autism differ from other developmental conditions?

Autism is distinguished from other developmental conditions by its unique diagnostic criteria, which include social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, along with the need for clinically significant help.

What is the importance of the DSM in autism diagnosis?

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) provides a scientific consensus on autism, defining it as a disorder characterized by social communication deficits and restrictive behaviors.

What are the three levels of autism severity mentioned?

Autism severity is classified into three levels: Level 1 (mild), Level 2 (moderate), and Level 3 (severe), based on the degree of support required, not the severity of symptoms.

What role do genetic factors play in the development of autism?

Genetic factors play a significant role in autism, with 81% of cases being hereditary, involving complex gene interactions, and many different genes being involved.

How can environmental factors contribute to autism?

Environmental factors, such as exposure to valproic acid or certain infections during pregnancy, are responsible for about 1-3% of autism cases. These factors impact development in the early stages of pregnancy.

What treatments have evidence supporting their effectiveness for autism?

Evidence-based treatments for autism include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for secondary symptoms like anxiety and depression, and Sensory Integration Therapy for sensory processing issues.

Are there medications available for treating autism?

There are no medications specifically for treating autism itself, but medications like aripiprazol and risperidone are used to manage secondary symptoms like irritability and aggression. Melatonin supplements are also used to address sleep difficulties.