Learning about the Autism Spectrum Disorders and developing an understanding of how a child with autism is treated can be difficult for just about anybody. Although there are dozens of treatments available, the sheer number and choice combined with the complexity of the disorder can be overwhelming. That is one reason this website exists. This section alone will help provide you, as a parent or caretaker, with a foundation of knowledge and assist you in better understanding the disorder. 

 

Dr. Leo Kanner was the first to recognize autism in 1943. In 1944, unaware of Kanner's research, Hans Asperger identified a group of people with what later became known as "Asperger syndrome," a disorder on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are brain development disorders, which affect an individual’s social interaction capabilities, communicational capabilities, and are often accompanied by unique behavioral patterns as well. Autism is not a disease, and you cannot get autism by being near or touching somebody who has the disorder.

 

Some parents may notice that there is something different about their child from birth, while others may see their child developing normally and then begin to lose the skills he or she has developed up to that point (autism symptoms). Either way, it is extremely important that parents get their child to a pediatrician soon after they notice something even slightly different with their child. Though there is no cure for autism, the most successful treatments are those that start early—parents should get their child involved in interventions and therapies at a young age. These therapies and interventions are known to greatly improve child development, but an individual with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will likely be affected by the symptoms of the disorder throughout their lifetime. 

 

Autism (click the link to view a short video) can afflict those from all racial backgrounds, and children from all over the world from all different types of families have autism. ASDs are four times more likely to afflict males than females. Today, ASDs affect 1 out of every 91 individuals, and since the 1970’s, the number of children diagnosed has continued to rise for an unknown reason—possibly partly because of changes in diagnosis techniques and increased awareness of the disorder. In the 1970’s, it was estimated that 1 out of every 2,500 children was diagnosed with autism, so it is safe to say that forever reason, the rate of autism is rising. However, It is also important to remember that the way the disorder was diagnosed at that time was completely different from the way it is diagnosed today. Nonetheless, there is no question that autism poses a serious problem for huge numbers of children. The disorder affects more children than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

 

Though research is ongoing at most major universities and hospitals around the world, the cause of autism still remains unknown. However, many researchers believe that there is a strong correlation between the disorder and genetics. The history of the disorder has shown that a family that has one child with autism has a greater chance of having another child diagnosed with autism. Though there is no scientific proof, vitamin deficiencies, food allergies, yeast infections, and mercury poisoning have all been scrutinized as possible causes of autism or its symptoms. The suspected cause that has stirred up the most controversy is childhood vaccines which children are expected to take within their first year of life.

The Three Aspects of the Disorder   

 

 

(1)                      Social Interaction: This refers to the style and capabilities that one uses to relate and interact with other individuals. It also relates to one’s ability to alter their interaction accordingly with the changing emotions and actions of others.

 

(2)                      Communication: This refers to the combination of all the verbal and non-verbal communication we use when we interact with other individuals.

 

(3)                      Behavioral Patterns: This refers to the behaviors and actions that an individual performs on a regular basis.

 

In the general picture, individuals who fall under the umbrella of the Autism Spectrum Disorder have a difficult time comprehending all the elements that make up the world around them. However, within the Autism Spectrum, there is a wide range of ability and functionality. The spectrum ranges from low functioning individuals who have the most difficulties in functioning of The Three Aspects of the Disorder mentioned above, to the higher functioning individuals who have greater functional skills in one or more these categories, and may be well developed enough to be independent in society. Some people with an ASD have been known to have incredible talents in music, arts, and academics, which are influenced from their autism disorder (see Savant Autism). The Golden Rule is that no two children with an ASD share the exact same diagnosis or are limited in the exact same areas to the exact same degree. 

 

The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) fall under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Usually these three PDDs are considered to be within the Autism Spectrum:

 

1. Autistic Disorder (AD)

2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

3. Asperger’s Syndrome (AS)

 

The remaining two Pervasive Developmental Disorders are these:

4. Rett syndrome (RS)

5. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)