What is Autism?

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that affects a person's verbal and non-verbal communication, understanding of language, and socialization with peers. Other characteristics include: engagement in repetitive activities, resistance to environmental change, and unusual responses to sensory experiences. The range of severity can be from extremely mild to severe. Autism is a behavioral disorder, not an illness or disease. It typically appears by age three and is a lifelong condition. There is no known cure, although there are documented cases of symptoms being reduced and even some children losing their diagnosis alltogether. Although autism affects the functions of the brain, the specific cause is not known.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly popular term that refers to a broad definition of autism including the classic form of the disorder as well as closely related disabilities that share many of the core characteristics. Although the classic form of autism can be readily distinguished from other forms of ASD, the terms autism and ASD are often used interchangeably.

ASD includes the following classifications:
(1) Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Refers to a collection of features that resemble autism but may not be as severe or extensive. Also known as mild or atypical autism. Many with PDD-NOS are deemed "high functioning."

(2) Asperger Syndrome (AS)
Individuals with AS show crippling deficiencies in social skills. They have difficulties with transitions and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space. Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see. Those with Asperger's typically have a normal to above average IQ and many (not all) exhibit exceptional abilities or talents in specific areas of interest.

(3) Rett's Syndrome
A rare disorder affecting girls. It's a genetic disorder with hard neurological signs, including seizures, that become more apparent with age. Hypotonia (loss of muscle tone) is usually the first symptom then followed by hand-wringing stereotypy.

(4) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Refers to children whose development appears normal for the first few years, but then regresses with the loss of speech and other skills until the characteristics of autism are exhibited. Deterioration of intellectual, social, and language skills over a period of several months is commonly seen.

Individuals with autism and ASD vary widely in ability and personality. In fact, it's been said that there are no two autistic individuals who are the same. They can fall anywhere on a "spectrum," ranging from severe mental retardation all the way to being extremely gifted in their intellectual and academic accomplishments. While many individuals prefer isolation and tend to withdraw from social contact, others show high levels of affection and enjoy social situations. Some people with autism appear lethargic and slow to respond but others are very active and seem to interact constantly with preferred aspects of their environment.

It is estimated, that 1 in every 91 children is born with an ASD - Nov/Dec 2009 Autism - Aspergers Digest

Autism Symptoms

Some of the symptoms listed may not be seen in every child with ASD; and some symptoms may be more severe in another. The severity, frequency, and grouping of the following symptoms will then determine where (if at all) an individual will fall on the autism spectrum.

- Repetitive behaviours (may want to watch the same DVD over and over again)
- Unresponsive to commands or questions ("in their own world")
- Delayed speech & language development (non-verbal, especially by age 3)
- Lack of imitation of others or imaginative play
- Indifferent to the feelings of others
- Hypersensitivity to light or sound (covers ears when music is played or covers eyes when going outside)
- Self-stimulatory behaviours (e.g., rocking, jumping up and down, hand flapping)
- Echolalia (Repetition or echoing of a word or phrase just spoken by another person)
- Unusual emotional responses (inappropriate laughing or crying)
- Frequent temper tantrums (described by many parents as "meltdowns")
- Responds adversely to physical affection, hugs, kisses, etc.
- Shows no interest in making friends
- Does not initiate conversation
- Socially withdrawn or socially awkward
- Very poor diet (may eat only starches or “beige“ coloured foods)
- Frequently walks on tip-toes as a toddler
- Shows little expressive language
- Clumsiness (falls or trips often)
- Improper use of pronouns, statements, and questions
- Unusual tone or rhythm of speech
- Self Injurious Behaviour (head banging, scratching/biting self)
- Frequently makes irrelevant remarks
- Difficulty with abstract language and concepts
- Needs strict routine
- Severe tantrums when routines are disrupted
- Fascination with spinning objects or spinning one's self
- Very good at rote memory tasks such as repeating lists of items or facts
- Be preoccupied with one or only a few narrow interests
- Shows an attachment to unusual objects such as toothbrushes, tv remotes, etc.

if you suspect Autism, please look at the M-CHAT, which is The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and contact your physican as soon as you can. Take the checklist with you if necessary, do not give up! Early intervention is always key, because if it is Autism, your child is at risk for other developmental disorders or delays.