Topic Overview

What is autism (autistic disorder)?

Autistic Disorder or Autism is characterized by the presence of impaired or abnormal development in social interactions and communication. The actions of such individuals are usually limited to a smaller set of specific actions or phrases that are often used regardless of their appropriateness in the situation. The abilities of such individuals vary greatly depending on their level of development.

What are the symptoms of Autism?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (IV) the following are possible signs of autism:

• Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors (such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expressions, and body postures) that regulate social interaction
• Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to their developmental level
• Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interest, or achievements with others (pointing out objects of interest).
• Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
• Delay in the development of spoken language
• Repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language (made-up languages)
• Mimicry of specific phrases or behaviors
• Lack of spontaneous, make-believe play normal to children of their developmental level.
• Infatuation with specific areas of interest with great intensity
• Inflexibility in new situations (anger at any changes in lifestyle)

Autism is diagnosed by the lack of normal social and developmental progress typically seen in children. Behaviors and actions are often limited and social interaction with peers and family members are usually mechanical in nature. Often times, children with autism become overly fascinated in specific areas (learning the names and release dates of the all the James Bond movies) and may chose neglect learning new concepts or ideas. Children with autism usually display a great deal of distress when confronted with changes in the family or home (new siblings, changing of furniture, new toys) due to their comfort in their present surroundings. The majority of children diagnosed with autism are also either fully or partially mentally disabled.

What Causes Autism?

Autism is believed to be caused by abnormalities in the shape and structure of the brain which inhibits its normal processing ability. Although there is no known single gene that causes autism, researches are investigating several specific regions of genetic code that may be responsible for such changes. All current research leads us to believe that the prevalence of autism is greater in families (especially amongst siblings) that already have a history of autism or other mental disabilities.

Additionally, mothers infected with viral infections such as rubella (German measles) during the first trimester may have a higher chance of having a child with autism. 

How is autism diagnosed?

Autism (autistic disorder) is often diagnosed at a young age with such signs as the failure to cuddle, lack of eye contact, and inappropriate facial responses. Parents are usually concerned about such behavior and typically believe that deafness or hardness of hearing could be the cause. Autism is diagnosed when several of the above mentioned symptoms occur in an individual (not just one alone).  Epidemiological studies show the rates of the disorder as 2-5 cases per 10,000 births. Rates of autism are four to five times higher for autism in males than in females, however, females diagnosed with autism usually exhibit more severe Mental Retardation.

Autism is often confused with several other early-childhood mental disorders including:

• Rett’s disorder which is characterized by the loss of purposeful hand skills between 5 and 30 months, as well as a characteristic head growth deceleration between 5 and 48 months

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder which shows developmental regression (slow-down) after 2 years of age (unlike autism which is usually seen within the first year), and

• Asberger’s which is distinguished by the normal onset of language development a little after the age of one.

How is it treated?

Although there is no cure for autism, recent use of structured behavioral therapy sessions have shown great promise in helping children with autism become socially integrated. Due to the lack of proper understanding of emotional and physical cues, programs for children with autism focus on firm rules, teaching the difference between “good actions” and “bad actions”, as well as appropriate interpersonal behavior.

Children may also be given medication to treat other symptoms of autism such as inattention, hyperactivity, seizures, severe mood swings, and behavior that is potentially self-harming.

Most parents choose to take care of their child in their own home, and studies have shown that when surrounded by caring and supportive family members, children with autism are better able to learn new concepts, behave more appropriately, and become an integral part of the family.

For more information about autism and helpful family solutions go to:

Autism Society

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3067
U.S.A.

Phone: 301.657.0881 or 1.800.3AUTISM (1.800.328.8476)

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm

NIH Neurological Institute
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824

Voice: (800) 352-9424 or (301) 496-5751
TTY (for people using adaptive equipment): (301) 468-5981

Autism Research Institute

http://www.autism.com/

Autism Research Institute
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
USA

ARI Autism Resource Call Center: 1-866-366-3361 Fax: 1-619-563-6840

National Autism Association

http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/

National Autism Association
1330 W. Schatz Lane
Nixa, MO 65714

For information call
877-NAA-AUTISM
877-622-2884

Autism Speaks

http://www.autismspeaks.org/