Can autism worsen over time?

Question

My brother has cerebral palsy. In the last few years we have noticed he has developed autistic tendencies. And the odd part is that they seem to be getting worse, or more prevalent. I know a lot about some diseases, and most cant "get worse", just their symptoms get worse. He has mild CP so I don't know what to do about this Autism thing. It seems like its making him regress quite a bit.

Answer 1

For many children, autism symptoms improve with treatment and with age. Some children with autism grow up to lead normal or near-normal lives. Children whose language skills regress early in life, usually before the age of 3, appear to be at risk of developing epilepsy or seizure-like brain activity. During adolescence, some children with autism may become depressed or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed.

Children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder might:

Not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll)

Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over)

Not look at objects when another person points at them

Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all

Avoid eye contact and want to be alone

Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings

Prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to

Appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds

Be very interested in people, but not know how to talk to, play with, or relate to them

Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia)

Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions

Repeat actions over and over again

Have trouble adapting to changes in routine

Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound

Lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using)

I would talk to a doctor before any proffesional opinions are made, your brother maybe be just showing signs of those with ceberal palsy or maybe its autism aswell.

Family is the most important thing in the world, and the best thing you can do for him is to cherish time with him, and drown him in all the love you have to offer.

take care

Answer 2

Tbh it depends on the person, it can get worse or it could get better.

Answer 3

Some people on the autism spectrum do seem to regress at certain times in their life. It's different for everyone. For some people there is a noticable regression or intensifying of symptoms during adolescence. It's very unusual to develop autism so late in life. Have there been any other major changes in his life that you can think of?