What Happens If Autism Is Not Treated

August 18, 2024

Discover what happens if autism is not treated. Explore the effects and the importance of early intervention.

Impact of Untreated Autism

The effects of untreated autism can be profound, influencing both physical and mental health. Understanding these impacts is crucial for recognizing the importance of early intervention and support.

Physical Health Implications

Untreated autism can lead to several physical health issues that significantly affect an individual's quality of life. These include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizure disorders, and obesity.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

GI disorders are significantly overrepresented in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with the general population. Common issues include diarrhea, constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux. Inflammatory bowel diseases are also more prevalent. The severity of GI dysfunction in children with ASD is strongly correlated with the severity of autism-related symptoms and behaviors [1].

Disorder	Prevalence in ASD	Prevalence in General Population
Diarrhea	High	Low
Constipation	High	Low
Gastroesophageal Reflux	High	Low
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases	High	Low

Seizure Disorders

The frequency of seizure disorders, including epilepsy, is notably greater in individuals with ASD compared to the general population. Estimates suggest that around 20% of individuals with ASD will develop epilepsy at some stage in their life. Accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are vitally important.

Obesity

Individuals with ASD are at a significantly higher risk for weight issues and obesity than the general population. Those with severe ASD show an increased likelihood of obesity alongside various other metabolic disorders.

Mental Health Challenges

Mental health challenges are a significant concern for individuals with untreated autism. These challenges can include anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Mental Health Condition	Prevalence in ASD	Prevalence in General Population
Anxiety	Up to 42%	3% (children), 15% (adults)
Depression	High	Lower
ADHD	High	Lower
OCD	High	Lower

According to the autism research charity Autistica, seven out of ten autistic individuals have a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or OCD [2]. Anxiety disorders alone affect up to 42 percent of people with autism, compared to an estimated 3 percent of children and 15 percent of adults in the general population [3].

Understanding these physical and mental health challenges highlights the critical need for early and effective intervention. For more information on how autistic individuals perceive their surroundings, see how do autistic people see the world?.

Common Comorbidities

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often comes with various comorbid conditions that can significantly affect the quality of life of individuals and their families. Understanding these comorbidities is crucial for providing comprehensive care.

GI Disorders

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are nearly eight times more common among children with autism than their peers. These disorders encompass a range of issues, including diarrhea, constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux. In some cases, children with ASD also have higher rates of inflammatory bowel diseases [1].

Symptom	Prevalence in ASD (%)	Prevalence in General Population (%)
Diarrhea	40	5
Constipation	45	10
Gastroesophageal Reflux	30	5

The presence of GI symptoms is often correlated with the severity of ASD-related symptoms, such as irritability, aggression, anxiety, and dysregulated sleep issues. Addressing these GI issues can improve the overall well-being of individuals with autism.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy, or seizure disorders, affect up to one-third of people with autism, compared to only 1 to 2 percent of the general population. This increased prevalence highlights the need for vigilance and timely diagnosis.

Population	Prevalence of Epilepsy (%)
Individuals with ASD	20-30
General Population	1-2

Accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are vital for managing this comorbidity effectively.

Feeding and Eating Issues

Feeding and eating problems are prevalent in around 7 out of 10 children with autism. These issues can range from selective eating to more severe feeding disorders, impacting nutritional intake and overall health.

Feeding Issue	Prevalence in ASD (%)
Selective Eating	70
Feeding Disorders	25

Addressing feeding and eating issues is essential for ensuring that children with autism receive the nutrients they need for growth and development.

Understanding these common comorbidities can help caregivers and healthcare providers offer comprehensive and effective care for individuals with autism. For more information on related topics, visit how do autistic people see the world? and can you join the military with autism?.

Social and Behavioral Consequences

Relationships and Communication

Individuals with untreated autism often face significant challenges in building and maintaining relationships. This difficulty extends to various aspects of life, including finding and maintaining employment and achieving independence. According to ABTABA, only 14% of adults with autism hold paid employment, compared to the general population employment rate of around 70%. Furthermore, about 40% of adults with autism have never worked or received post-secondary education. The barriers to communication and social interaction make it hard for individuals with autism to connect with others, leading to social isolation and reduced opportunities for personal growth.

Academic and Cognitive Challenges

Academic and cognitive challenges are common among individuals with untreated autism. These challenges include difficulties in processing information, issues with attention and focus, and impaired executive functioning skills. This can significantly impact their educational journey and overall development. Students with untreated autism may struggle to keep up with their peers in a traditional academic setting, leading to lower academic achievement and limited opportunities for post-secondary education and career advancement.

Challenge	Impact
Information Processing	Slower learning and comprehension
Attention and Focus	Difficulty staying on task
Executive Functioning	Problems with planning and organization

Behavioral and Emotional Well-being

Untreated autism can lead to a range of behavioral and emotional issues. These include social and emotional challenges, communication difficulties, and behavioral problems such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The inability to effectively communicate and manage emotions can result in heightened stress levels and emotional dysregulation. This can further exacerbate the social isolation and academic challenges faced by individuals with autism, creating a cycle of stress and emotional difficulty.

For additional insights on how autistic individuals perceive their environment, visit our article on how do autistic people see the world.

Understanding the social and behavioral consequences of untreated autism underscores the importance of early intervention and appropriate support. For strategies and tips on managing these challenges, you may find our resources on can you join the military with autism? and is arizona a good state for autism? helpful.

Financial and Emotional Strain

Untreated autism can have profound financial and emotional impacts on families. Understanding these challenges is crucial for grasping the full scope of what happens if autism is not treated.

Financial Burden

The financial burden of untreated autism can be overwhelming. Families often face significant costs associated with therapy, specialized education, medical interventions, and necessary modifications to accommodate the unique needs of a child with autism.

Expense Type	Estimated Annual Cost ($)
Therapy (ABA, speech, etc.)	$20,000 - $60,000
Specialized Education	$15,000 - $40,000
Medical Interventions	$5,000 - $20,000
Home Modifications	$1,000 - $10,000

These costs can quickly add up, putting a significant financial strain on families. The need for continuous care and specialized services often requires one parent to reduce work hours or leave their job entirely, further exacerbating the financial stress. For more insight into navigating these challenges, visit our article on is Arizona a good state for autism?.

Emotional Stress on Families

Parents of children with untreated autism often experience significant emotional stress. Managing their child's unique needs, navigating the healthcare system, and seeking appropriate support can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.

The constant demands of caregiving can lead to feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the social stigma and lack of understanding about autism can result in isolation for both the child and their family. The emotional stress can also strain relationships within the family, leading to potential marital issues and sibling resentment.

To support emotional well-being, families can benefit from connecting with support groups, seeking counseling, and accessing respite care services. For further understanding of how autism affects daily life, explore our article on how do autistic people see the world?.

By acknowledging the financial and emotional strain untreated autism can impose, it becomes evident why early intervention and support are essential. Addressing these challenges head-on can significantly improve the quality of life for both the child and their family.

Long-term Effects

Independence and Self-care

Individuals with untreated autism may struggle significantly with self-care and decision-making. They often find it challenging to adapt to new situations and may face limitations in becoming independent in various aspects of life. According to Gold Star Rehab, the importance of early interventions and support services cannot be overstated. These interventions can help improve self-care skills, decision-making capabilities, and overall independence.

Social Isolation and Employment

Untreated autism can lead to severe social isolation and difficulties in employment. Building and maintaining relationships become challenging, impacting the individual's social life and career prospects. Only 14% of adults with autism hold paid employment, while 40% have never worked or received post-secondary education. This is in stark contrast to the general population employment rate of around 70% [4].

Group	Employment Rate
Adults with Autism	14%
General Population	70%

For more insights into the experiences of autistic individuals, check out our article on how do autistic people see the world?.

Mental Health Risks

Mental health concerns are a significant long-term consequence of untreated autism. Individuals may experience anxiety disorders, depression, and an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation. These mental health risks can further exacerbate the challenges faced in social and professional environments.

For families and caregivers, understanding the importance of early intervention and support is crucial. Learn more about the potential benefits of these interventions in our section on the importance of early intervention.

Understanding the long-term effects of untreated autism highlights the critical need for early diagnosis and appropriate interventions. Addressing these issues early on can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with autism, helping them achieve greater independence and well-being.

Importance of Early Intervention

Benefits of Early Treatment

Early intervention is crucial for children with autism, providing significant benefits across various aspects of their development. Research has shown that early treatment can lead to notable improvements in IQ, language ability, and social interaction. For instance, a study published in Pediatrics found that early intervention for toddlers as young as 18 months can be highly effective [6].

Another study highlights that early intervention can improve communication, socialization, and behavioral outcomes, sometimes increasing a child's IQ by an average of 17 points. The goal of such interventions is to enable children to become more verbal, develop friendships, and gain independence and self-care skills.

Improving Outcomes

A five-year study at the University of Washington involving children aged 18 to 30 months with autism demonstrated significant improvements for those who received 20 hours a week of Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) intervention. These children showed an average improvement of 18 IQ points and nearly 18 points in receptive language, compared to minimal improvements in the control group.

Early intervention is pivotal in helping children develop coping skills and strategies. This not only aids in their immediate development but also provides long-term benefits extending into adulthood. Children who receive early intervention services are more likely to attend regular education classes and have higher employment rates as adults [7].

Strategies for Support

Effective early intervention strategies often involve parental involvement and the integration of therapeutic techniques into daily routines. This approach enhances the child's progress and underscores the necessity of starting therapy early.

Children who receive early intervention are less likely to require support services later in life and are more likely to achieve greater independence. These interventions can significantly reduce the long-term financial and emotional burden on families.

Intervention Type	Average IQ Improvement	Receptive Language Improvement
ESDM (20 hrs/week)	18 points	18 points
Control Group	Minimal	Minimal

For more information on the long-term effects of untreated autism, refer to our sections on mental health risks, social isolation and employment, and the financial burden associated with untreated autism.