What is Autism?
What is Autism?
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Autism is a developmental disorder that is becoming more and more common today.
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Autism affects as many as 1 in 150 children
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More boys are affected than girls.
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Diagnosis usually takes place before three years of age. When diagnosis does happen before age three, there is a better chance for treatment.
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Children display a collection of symptoms that create the autism spectrum. These stereotyped behaviors include lack of language skills, sensitivity to sound or light, excessive repetitive motions, droning noises, hand flapping, and in some cases lack of eye contact.
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Autistic Disorder
Autistic Disorder is what we commonly think of when we talk about autism. This is the disorder which is made up by stereotyped behaviors, lack of eye contact, lacking social skills, impaired communication and lack of speech. Also there is generally a range of behavioral issues present, including temper tantrums, aggressiveness, short attention span and/or hyperactivity. The DSM-IV-TR (2000) cites the prevalence rate to be 5 cases per 10,000 individuals.
Asperger's Disorder
Asperger’s Disorder which very
closely mirrors the diagnosis of Autistic Disorder is markedly
different in the fact that most individuals are what are referred to
as higher functioning.
These individuals seem to have a better long term prognosis.
There is not a lack in language acquisition instead there are
difficulties with communication.
The individual with Asperger’s generally becomes preoccupied
with certain topics or subjects, often in an obsessive way.
The disturbance with communication can come with this because
they have a hard time carrying on conversation. Often they lack the
skills to successfully reciprocate in conversation.
Just like Autistic Disorder they have a failure to interpret
nonverbal cues, and adhere strictly to repetitive patterns of
behavior.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
CDD or Childhood
Disintegrative Disorder is one of the more severe on the spectrum.
Like Autistic Disorder there is an early onset but with a
bleak prognosis. CDD is
a deterioration of skills previously acquired.
With at least two years of normal development the child then
begins to regress. This
regression can take place with language skills, potty training, or
social skills.
Diagnosis is made before the age of ten years.
This disorder is rare and much research is not available on
prevalence rates.
Rett's Disorder
Rett’s Disorder has
only been reported in females.
While that fact is interesting in itself, this disorder
presents other fascinating points.
Rett’s Disorder is associated with severe mental retardation,
physical abnormalities, poorly controlled gait, and psychomotor
retardation. There is
limited information on Rett’s Disorder since it is quite rare.