Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 44 children will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is 4 times more common in boys than in girls. The estimated total costs for autism spectrum disorder were between $11.5 - $60.9 billion per year. Let’s look into ASD and how compounding can help.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a complex group of generally

lifelong developmental disorders, usually diagnosed in childhood. Characteristics of ASD may include problems communicating, difficulty

relating to people, things, and events; repetitive movements or

behaviors; and difficulty adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings or

routines. ASD is called a “spectrum” disorder because it can

cause very different symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

People with ASD typically have issues with social, emotional, and communication skills. They may prefer a specific routine and have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting. Signs and symptoms usually begin in early childhood and last throughout a person’s life. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development developed a list of behaviors within four categories: social behavior, communication, stereotyped behavior, and other behavior.

Social Behavior

• Prefers solitary or parallel play rather than engaging in associative or cooperative play with other children

•Preference for predictable, structured play over spontaneous or make-believe play

• May not respond to name being called

• Struggles to make eye contact to communicate interests/needs

Communication

• Develops speech later than typical or not at all (nonspeaking or nonverbal)

• Repetition in language or movement, such as repeating the same word or sounds, hand flapping, or any repeated movements

• Atypical nonverbal communication, including avoiding eye contact, giving few facial expressions, or having a monotone voice

Stereotyped Behavior

• Extremely distressed by changes, including new foods or changes in schedule or routine

• Strong, persistent interest in specific topic, part of a toy, or item


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If your child is exhibiting any of the above characteristics, speak with your child’s doctor as symptoms can vary widely. For more signs and symptoms, please click here.

What are the causes and risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

All of the causes of ASD are unknown. However, there are likely many causes for the multiple types of ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.

Causes and risk factors may include:

• Most scientists agree that genes are one of the risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.

• Children who have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD.

• Individuals with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis, can have a greater chance of having ASD.

• When taken during pregnancy, the prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide have been linked with a higher risk of ASD.

• There is some evidence that the critical period for developing ASD occurs before, during, and immediately after birth.

• Children born to older parents are at greater risk for having ASD.

How can Compounding Solutions Pharmacy & Wellness help with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Children, with or without ASD, have special needs in terms of medications. Some are unable to swallow tablets/capsules while some may not like the taste or dosage form of their medication. At Compounding Solutions Pharmacy & Wellness, we specialize in personalizing prescriptions for everyone. We can tailor a dosage form into something that your child will actually want to take or use. We are experts at flavoring medications to remove any bitterness and cover the taste of medications with flavoring. We have a variety of dosage forms including liquids, capsules, topicals, medicated chocolate candies, and more.


Several studies have shown that people with ASD metabolize nutrients differently. People with ASD may also be on multiple medications that can disrupt the

absorption of certain nutrients. This can lead to vitamin insufficiency. By using a vitamin mixture that has vitamins in their most absorbable form, we can bring those levels back to normal and potentially see effects on a child’s behavior and energy level. For more information, please click here.


We also offer an extensive line of over-the-counter vitamins and supplements with kid-friendly dosage forms. Dosage forms include capsules, liquids, and gummies. We can also special order most supplements that you request.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/autism

https://autismsociety.org/the-autism-experience/

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html