Definition and Risk Factors – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Nursing)

00:00 Now we're going to be talking about autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, is a group of neurodevelopmental syndromes that are characterized by a range of restricted, repetitive behaviors, and communication impairments. Really important to remember that it is a group of neurodevelopmental syndromes. One in 54 children are affected by ASD and ASD affects all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

00:44 It's 4 times more common in boys than in girls. And it's important to remember like IDD, ASD is a lifelong disorder that typically presents itself in childhood. So what are some of the factors that increase the likelihood of a child having ASD? Well, genetics are one if one or both parents have a genetic predisposition towards ASD. Advanced parent age, either parent, can also increase the likelihood of ASD. Also having rapid succession pregnancies, less than 1 year apart will increase the ASD likelihood. And finally, perinatal. Complications of pregnancy or of birth where the child is maybe premature, less than 26 weeks gestation, has low birth weight, or perhaps it's a multiple birth (twins, triplets, quadruplets).