Autism Spectrum Disorder

Terms used to refer to various Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) 

• Autism, Classic Autism, High Functioning Autism
• Autistic Disorder
• Asperger Syndrome or Asperger's Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

These terms are commonly used and may be interpreted differently in various settings. The term "autism" is often used in two different ways. It is used to refer specifically to Autistic Disorder and it is also used more generally to refer to all ASDs. 

The term "spectrum" refers to a continuum of severity or developmental impairment. The conditions cover a wide spectrum, with individual differences in:

• Number and particular kinds of symptoms
• Severity - mild to severe
• Age of onset
• Levels of functioning
• Challenges with social interactions

There are in fact five Autism Spectrum Disorders described under the diagnostic category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) that appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects functioning and development of the brain.  Autistic individuals may not look any different from you or I, but they see, hear and sense things differently.  This can affect their ability to reason, to communicate and to interact with others.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means there is a wide variation in how it affects individuals.  Some have an obsession with certain activities an aversion to certain food textures, or difficulty in making friends.  Many others are completely withdrawn '"into their own world," unable to communicate or even say the names of family members.

ASD occurs in approximately 1 in 150 children and is on the rise.  That means that every 20 minutes there is a child being diagnosed with ASD.  It is four to five times more common in boys.  While most forms are usually evident before three years of age, one form is not usually apparent until late childhood.  The causes are still unknown, and, for now there is no cure.

ASD is not a mental disorder, nor is it a form of mental retardation.  Intellectual capacity may or may not be affected.  ASD is not a childhood disease.  Children with ASD will become adults with ASD.

How can People with ASD be Helped?

The cause of ASD has never been identified.  We do know that it is neurologically based and much of the current research is focused on the brain.  Other research is focused on genetics, and various external influences.  It is hoped that research will one day lead to prevention.

Although there is no cure for ASD, early identification and effective intervention can greatly help.  With appropriate specialized education programs, and other forms of community support, individuals with ASD can lead happy and productive lives.

How are People with ASD Affected?

People with ASD are generally affected in a number of the following areas:

Communication:  Language development is delayed, or words are used without attaching the usual meanings to them.  Some autistic individuals never speak.  Sometimes the language delay is initially misinterpreted as deafness or a speech problem.

Social Interaction:  Individuals with ASD often show different and decreased socialization with others, and may spend more time alone than usual.  They may be unresponsive to social cues like smiles or eye contact.  Many relate better to adults than to peers.

Sensory Impairment:  Individuals with ASD may exhibit unusual reactions to typical stimuli.  These may include reactions to pain, sound, smell, taste, or other sensations (Proprioceptive and Vestibular).

Activities:  There is often a lack of spontaneous or imaginative activity, as well as an inability to imitate others.  Repeated, ritualistic actions such as spinning objects , repeated rocking or a restricted patten of interests and an adherence to routines may occur.

 Five Pervasive Developmental Disorders:

* Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

* Rett's Disorder (RD)

* Autistic Disorder (AD)

* Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

* Asperger's Syndrome (AS) 

Related Conditions:

 Early Warning Signs

*Reduced shared enjoyment with others (e.g. laughing during peel-a-boo)

*Reduced pointing: by the time a child is 18 months, he or she should start to point at objects to get other people's attention, and be able to follow other people's pointing

*Reduced showing objects to other people (e.g. handing Mom a toy for the sole purpose of sharing the experience with her)

*Reduced social orienting; unable to give cues

*Difficulty making eye contact

*Children not responding to their name or to the parent's voice

*Not showing interest in their parent's faces

*Reduced use of gestures or subtle social communications; child may be able to wave "bye-bye," but not initiating the wave

*Kids who are inconsolable;  some are comforted by parents holding them, and some are not

*Inconsistent response to sounds;  deafness may be suspected

*Reduced environmental exploration;  some infants who are at risk for autism are passive and lack an intense curiosity to explore a large number of toys and objects

*Developmental delay in language, or the regression of language after it seems to have typically developed