Definition of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disorders that cause lifelong difficulties with socializing, communicating, and behavior. The term "spectrum" refers to the fact that some people have a few mild symptoms while others have severe symptoms that are disabling.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disorders that cause lifelong difficulties with socializing, communicating, and behavior. The term "spectrum" refers to the fact that some people have a few mild symptoms while others have severe symptoms that are disabling.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
Symptoms of autistic disorder are usually recognized between two and three years of age, although they may be present earlier. By definition, symptoms must be present by three years of age.
In approximately two-thirds of children with autism, the first sign is a lack of communication skills by two years of age.
Symptoms of autistic disorder are usually recognized between two and three years of age, although they may be present earlier. By definition, symptoms must be present by three years of age.
In approximately two-thirds of children with autism, the first sign is a lack of communication skills by two years of age.
- Social interaction : Difficulty with or lack of interaction with family and friends is a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder.
- Communication : The second hallmark of autism spectrum disorder is significant difficulty with communication. This is the most common concern of parents, which often leads the parent to seek medical attention. The child may lack the ability to speak or understand and/or may show no interest in communicating.
- Behavior : The third hallmark of autism spectrum disorder is repetitive behaviors and interests.
- Cognitive skills : Cognitive skills include the ability to think, remember, and process information. In children with autism, these skills are often uneven, regardless of the child's level of intelligence. The person can often perform tasks that require memorization or putting things together (eg, puzzles), but may have difficulty with tasks that require higher-level skills, such as reasoning, interpretation, or abstract thinking.
- Sensory perception : Many people with autism spectrum disorder perceive sounds, tastes, or touch differently. For example, the person may be overly sensitive to normal noise levels or have no response to loud noises.
- Macrocephaly : Approximately one-fourth of children with autism spectrum disorder have a larger than normal-size head. The medical term for this is macrocephaly. This may be related to abnormalities in early brain development, which contribute to the signs and symptoms of autism discussed above.
Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
According to CDC, a child with an ASD might:
According to CDC, a child with an ASD might:
- Not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll)
- Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over)
- Not look at objects when another person points at them
- Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
- Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
- Prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to
- Appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds
- Be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
- Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia)
- Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
- Repeat actions over and over again
- Have trouble adapting when a routine changes
- Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
- Lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using)
Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
Autism cannot be cured. However, a healthcare provider can work with parents to develop a treatment plan to help the child reach his or her full potential. The optimal treatment plan depends upon the child's age, diagnosis, underlying medical problems, and other individual factors.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a plan that provides structure, direction, and organization for the child. In the United States, services are often provided through an early intervention program and then subsequently through the public school system after the age of three years, administered by the individual states.
Autism cannot be cured. However, a healthcare provider can work with parents to develop a treatment plan to help the child reach his or her full potential. The optimal treatment plan depends upon the child's age, diagnosis, underlying medical problems, and other individual factors.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a plan that provides structure, direction, and organization for the child. In the United States, services are often provided through an early intervention program and then subsequently through the public school system after the age of three years, administered by the individual states.
