WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ?
Autism, or autism spectrum
disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and
nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and
differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused
by different combinations of genetic and environmental
influences.
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges
and strengths possessed by each person with autism. Autism’s
most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In
some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental
delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even
earlier. Autism Speaks urges parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes.
The
essential features are the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired
development in social interaction and communication and a markedly restricted
repertoire of activity and interests. Characteristics often associated with
autism are engaging in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements,
resistance to changes in daily routine or the environment, and unusual
responses to sensory experiences
Symptoms / Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder :
1) Social
Interaction
•The
impairment in social interaction is gross and sustained.
•They
may be marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviours
(eg
eye to eye gaze, facial expression, body postures and gestures) to regulate
social interaction and communication.
•There
may be failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
that may take different forms at different ages.
2) Communication
•The
impairment in communication is also marked and sustained and affects both
verbal and nonverbal skills. There may be delay in, or total lack of the
development of spoken language.
•There
may also be a lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative
play appropriate to developmental level.
3) Restricted, Repetitive and Stereotyped
Patterns
•Individuals
with autistic disorder have restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour,
interests and activities.
•An
apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals;
•Stereotyped
and repetitive motor mannerisms; or
•A
persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.
•Display
a markedly restricted range of interests and are often preoccupied with one
narrow interest (eg dates, phone numbers).
•They
may line up an exact number of play things in the same manner over and over
again and repetitively.
•They
may insist on sameness and show resistance to or distress over trivial changes
(eg
a younger child may have a reaction to a minor change in the environment such
as rearrangement of the furniture or use a new set of utensils at the dinner
table).
