AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

by Unknown March 26, 2017 0 comments

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).

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