Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects an individual’s development throughout their life. It is a spectrum disorder with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) include Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Rhett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD-NOS. ASD is characterized by significant impairments in three core areas: social interaction, communication, and repetitive, stereotyped, and restricted behaviors.
|
|
|
The exact causes of autism have not been identified. Autism is a brain disorder, present from birth, which affects the way the brain uses information. Recent research has identified some genetic markers for autism, though the exact role of these markers is not fully understood. Some research suggests a physical problem affecting those parts of the brain that process language and information coming in from the senses. There may be some imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Autism may indeed result from a combination of several “causes” both biological and environmental.
|
|
3. Who is Affected by Autism?
|
|
Autism is one of the four most common developmental disabilities and is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. It occurs in 1 of 150 births. Autism is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls. Autism is distributed throughout the world among all races, nationalities, and social classes. It usually appears in the first 3 years of life.
|
|
4. How is Autism Diagnosed?
|
|
There is no single tool or test for diagnosing autism. A diagnosis can be made by any clinician (psychologist, SLP, psychiatrist, neurologist) whose scope of practice allows him or her to make a clinical diagnosis. Diagnosis is best done by a team of professionals, including a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, speech-language pathologist, in some cases social worker, and occupational therapist.
|
|
5. How Severe are Behavior Problems in People with Autism?
|
|
In autism, behavior problems range from very severe to mild. Severe behavior problems take the form of highly unusual, aggressive, and in some cases, even self-injurious behavior. These behaviors may persist and be difficult to change. In its mild form, autism resembles a learning disability. Usually, however, even people who are only mildly affected are substantially handicapped due to deficits in the areas of communication and socialization.
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 2 |
Autism Facts
