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 Autism is a neurological spectrum disorder: it is a disorder with a wide range of mild to severe symptoms which affect each individual differently. It is characterized mainly by communicative and social impairments, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. Autism Spectrum disorders are often referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorders, the reason being is because the disorders pervade every aspect of a child's development. Click here for the Physician's Handbook IBI Application Form Autism or Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) Those with Autism Disorder show symptoms of Autism in varying degrees: stereotyped behaviors, impairments in social interaction and in communication, and difficulty processing information through their senses.
Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
A diagnosis of P.D.D may be made when a child does not meet all the criteria for a specific diagnosis but their characteristics do not indicate any other disorder. Characteristics of P.D.D. include delayed speech, repetitive behaviors and resistance to change.
Asperger's Syndrome
Those with Asperger's usually show no clinical delay in acquiring language and test in the range of average to above average intelligence. The most distinct symptoms are impairments in social interaction, communication and imaginative play and having intense interest in a narrow subject. They may also commonly have repetitivebehaviors and demonstrate the need for strict routines.
Childhood Disintegrative DisorderThis disorder is characterized by normal development for at least the first two years, followed by significant loss of previously acquired skills.
Retts Syndrome (Now a Genetic Disorder)
A progressive disorder which to date has only affected girls. Infants with Rett's Syndrome have a period of normal development between six and eighteen month followed by a loss of acquired skills. Behaviors include loss of speech, repetitive wringing of hands, seizures, deformed growth and social withdrawal.
Autistic Savant A very small percentage of people are diagnosed as autistic savant. An individual with this disorder has an extraordinary skill and high functioning genius ability in a specific area, like mathematical calculations, memory feats or artistic and musical abilities.
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Early Signs
- Does not babble, point or make meaningful gestures by age 1
- Has not spoken one word by 16 months, or does not use two word sentences by age 2
- Has poor eye contact
- Does not respond to own name
- Does not smile or lacks social awareness
- Excessively lines up toys and objects
- Lacks social and language skills
- Has difficulty engaging him/her self
Later Signs- Difficulty making friends and maintaining friendships
- Difficulty having conversations
- difficulty with imaginative and social play
- stereotyped repetitive behaviours such as hand clapping/flapping or rocking
"Autism Fact Sheet" from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, posted |
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