Autism

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is a brain disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and respond appropriately to the environment. People with autism are not physically disabled and 'look' just like anybody without the disability. Those with high-functioning autism may have speech and intelligence intact. Others may be mentally disabled, mute, or have serious language delays. Autism may make them seem closed off and shut down. Some seem locked into repetitive behaviors. People with autism tend to share certain social, communication, motor, and sensory problems that affect their behavior.

People with autism may have some of the following traits.

Does not babble or coo by 12 months

Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months

Does not say single words by 16 months

Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months

Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age.

Insistence on sameness; resistance to change

Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words

Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language

Laughing, crying, showing distress for reasons not apparent to others

Prefers to be alone; aloof manner

Tantrums

Difficulty in mixing with others

May not want to cuddle or be cuddled

Little or no eye contact

Unresponsive to normal teaching methods

Sustained odd play

Spins objects

Inappropriate attachments to objects

Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain

No real fears of danger

Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity

Uneven gross/fine motor skills

Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range.

There are 5 disorders under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development," including social interaction and communications skills. The five disorders are Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett's Disorder, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 2 to 6 per 1,000 individuals.

Many children with autism are nonverbal or have limited vocal communication. It is important to find a form of augmentative communication that works for them. Many kids learn to use voice output devices , switches, and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

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