Difference Between Autism and Down Syndrome (With Table)

Comparison Table Between Autism and Down Syndrome

What is Autism?

Autism is a spectrum condition that causes development impairments among those living with it. It is a neurological disorder that affects the nervous system of individuals such that their cognitive abilities as well as communicative abilities are severely affected. The capability of the individual to interact with others is severely compromised.

As such the main causes of the disorder are largely unknown to the medical community. However, hereditary factors are considered one of the most significantly suspected risk factors. According to a study conducted by the CDC, boys are more prone to autism than girls.

The symptoms of autism become apparent during the early childhood years of a baby. The period between 12-24 months is the crucial window when most symptoms become ostensible. These symptoms may include problems with social interactions, processing social cues, repetitive patterns of behavior, etc. Developmental screenings and other tests have been instituted to confirm an autism diagnosis.

As a spectrum condition, autism includes the autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, PDD-NOS, and childhood disintegrative disorder. There are no cures for the condition. It can simply be managed with behavioral therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, etc.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder where the child is born with an extra copy of the 21^st chromosome. This condition causes serious physical and mental developmental delays in the individual born with it.

Down syndrome can be further subcategorized into three groups. Trisomy 21 is the most common form of Down syndrome in terms of statistics. Under this category, the extra copy of the gene is present in each cell of the individual. Mosaicism occurs when the child has the extra copy in some but not all cells. And the last variant is translocation, where the child has only an extra part of the 21^st chromosome, not the entire extra copy.

Down syndrome produces certain discernable physical features in the child, including smaller heads and ears, flat features, shorter neck, and others. Cognitive disabilities include learning issues, impulsive behavior, shorter attention span, etc. Individuals living with the condition are predisposed to certain physical ailments like poor vision, congenital heart defects, leukemia, etc.

Prenatal tests like amniocentesis, CVS, and others help screen for the markers of this genetic condition during the gestation period. Similarly, after the birth of the child, a test called karyotype is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Main Differences Between Autism and Down Syndrome

1. The main difference between autism and Down syndrome is that the former is a neurological condition, while the latter is a genetic condition. The former condition does not produce any discernable change in the physical features of the individual, however, the genetic mutation in the latter condition produces certain characteristic physical features in the individuals living with the condition.
2. The diagnostic timelines of each condition vary. While autism can be diagnosed in the early months of infancy, Down syndrome can be detected when the fetus is still inside the womb.
3. Autism causes severe developmental impairment in the individual such that the person’s ability to communicate is gravely impacted. Conversely, Down syndrome is a genetic condition that results due to the presence of a 3^rd copy of the 21^st chromosome.
4. The causes of each condition are quite different. While the causes of autism are largely unknown, Down syndrome is caused due to the occurrence of an extra copy of the 21^st chromosome in the fetus.
5. Autistic individuals perceive the world differently. Impairment of social cognition, communication, sensory sensitivity, etc. are common repercussions of the condition. Alternatively, Down syndrome causes growth delays in the individual. It also leads to the development of smaller facial features and learning disabilities.
6. Autism is a spectrum condition. This connotes that being autistic affects different individuals differently. Asperger’s Syndrome is another condition that falls within the autistic range. However, Down syndrome is not a spectrum condition.

Conclusion

Autism and Down syndrome are both medical conditions that cause severe impairment to the patients living with these disorders. However, the difference between the two disorders is quite telling.

While autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the mutation of the 21^st chromosome. Autism does not produce certain notable physical changes in the individual living with the condition.

Alternatively, children with Down syndrome have quite distinguished physical features. The social and cognitive impairments caused by autism may vary from one individual to another as the condition is a spectrum disorder. However, this is not the case for those living with Down syndrome.

Each condition varies in terms of its causes, diagnostic window available, the impairments caused, etc. It is important to understand these differences to adequately familiarize and sensitize oneself with both these disorders.

References

1. https://meridian.allenpress.com/ajidd/article-abstract/115/4/277/1101
2. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF01058154.pdf