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What are autism spectrum disorders?
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive development disorders that characteristically include communication and social interaction impairment, and repetitive behaviors or interests.
What is autism?
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that interferes with a child's ability to communicate with and relate to others. Autism also affects how a child perceives and processes sensory information.
When is autism evident?
Autism is generally evident by age 3, affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction.
What are signs of autism?
Parents often notice that their toddler does not begin to talk, or respond and interact like other children of the same age.
What are characteristics of autism?
The following characteristics are evident and vary in degrees:
- Difficulty communicating
- Aloofness
- Problems with social interaction
- Unusual play with toys and objects
- Repetitive behaviors that are abnormal in intensity, frequency, and persistence, ranging from simple, repeated motor activities to more complex, compulsive rituals
- Difficulty adjusting to changes in routine or environment
How is autism diagnosed?
There are no medical tests that detect or diagnose autism. Diagnosis is based on behavioral observation, a comprehensive review of medical and developmental history, behavioral questionnaires, and clinical observation.
Are children with autism nonverbal?
Since their language development is delayed and unusual, children with autism may be nonverbal. 50% of people with autism never speak.
How will autism affect my child's interactions with others?
Since social interaction is affected, children with autism have difficulty establishing friendships with children the same age. Children with autism often demonstrate a
- Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment and interests with others
- Lack of empathy
- Difficulties continuing a conversation once it has begun
- Repetitive use of language. People with autism often repeat over and over a phrase they have heard previously (echolalia)
- Difficulty in understanding humor or implied meaning
- Limited interest in activities or play
- Preoccupation with certain topics
- Need for sameness and routines
- Stereotyped behaviors, such as body rocking and hand flapping
What causes autism?
Scientists have not identified a primary cause for autism.
How prevalent is autism?
According to Centers for Disease Control, it is estimated that 1.5 million Americans have some form of autism. Autism is growing at a rate of 10-17% per year according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Is there a cure for autism?
While there is no known cure for autism, the capacity to learn and develop new skills is within every child. Now, more than ever before, it is possible to greatly improve the day-to-day life of children with autism.
How is that now possible?
Through a combination of early intervention, special education, training, and family support.
What is Asperger's Disorder?
Asperger's Disorder is a pervasive developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others.
How does Asperger's differ, then, from autism?
Children with Asperger's generally have better language skills than children with autism. They are considered high functioning and are of average or above-average intelligence. Some children have advanced rote memorization and math skills. Your child may be able to memorize dates, formulas, and phone numbers with extraordinarily accurate detail.
When is Asperger's evident?
Parents often notice the symptoms of Asperger's when their child starts preschool and begins to interact with other children.
What are characteristics of Asperger's?
Characteristics include:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Pedantic speech
- Perseveration on favored topics
- Poor or nonverbal communication
- Intense absorption or preoccupation with one or only few interests
- Heightened sensitivity to loud noises, lights, strong tastes, or textures
- A lack of empathy
- Naivet�
- Difficulty forming friendships
- Disliking any changes in routines
- Unusual facial expressions, poor coordination, and awkward movement or postures
How is Asperger's diagnosed?
There are no medical tests that detect or diagnose Asperger's. Diagnosis is based on behavioral observation, a comprehensive review of medical and developmental history, behavioral questionnaires, and clinical observation.
How will Asperger's affect my child's interactions with others?
Children with Asperger's have difficulty:
- Picking up on social cues and lack inborn social skills, such as reading body language
- Starting or maintaining a conversation
- Recognizing subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent.
- Understanding humor or implied meaning
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