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What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental
disability that typically appears in the first three years of life.
Autism is the third most common developmental disability in the
U.S. affecting an estimated 400,000 people. It occurs in approximately
1 of every 166 individuals and is four times more prevalent in boys
than girls.
Autism is a developmental disorder, which manifests itself during
early childhood.
In the autistic child, communications and social interactions are
severely impaired. Unable to learn from the natural environment
as most children do, the child with autism generally shows little
interest in the world or people around him. Although, some children
with autism develop normally and even acquire advanced skills,
most exhibit a wide range of behavioral problems. In reality, autism
affects the
way a person comprehends, communicates and relates to others.
Autism was originally thought to be primarily a psychiatric condition.
However, further investigation showed that genetic and environmental
factors are
implicated in the pathogenesis of autism. The effects of environmental
factors
such as infections and toxic chemicals on gene expression result
in biochemical,
immunological and neurological disorders found in children with
autism.
Diagnosis of autism
Because we have no definitive
diagnostic tests for the biological manifestations
of autism, it remains one of the only neurological disorders that
must be
diagnosed almost entirely through behavioral symptoms. We know that
Autism interferes with the normal development of the brain in the
areas of reasoning,
social interaction, communication skills and emotions such as love
and empathy. Children and adults with autism typically have deficiencies
in verbal and
nonverbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play
activities.
People
with autism may exhibit repeated body movements such as hand flapping,
rocking, or spinning; they may have
unusual responses to people or attachments
to objects; and they may resist changes in routines. In some cases
they may
exhibit aggressive or self-injurious behavior.
According to the
DSM-IV or Diagnosis and Statistical Manuel for Mental Disorders,
4th edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association
Autism is classified as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder
(PDD) characterized by twelve diagnostic criteria. These criteria
fall into three categories -impairments
in social interaction, impairments in communication, and a restricted
repertoire of activities and interests. A diagnosis of autism requires
that a child display at least six of these twelve symptoms, with
a minimum number in each category...
Autism Checklist
What is DSM IV
Diagnostic criteria for autism. Diagnosis criteria for 299.00 Autistic
Disorder
Pervasive
Developmental Disorders - Characterized by Severe & Pervasive
Impairment:
1. Reciprocal social interaction skills
2. Communication skills
3.The presence of stereotyped behavior, interests & activities
Delays / abnormal functioning in 1+ of the following areas,
onset prior to age 3:
- Social interaction
- Language for social communication
- Symbolic or imaginative play
Autistic Disorder:
Diagnostic Criteria: 6+
items from A, B, & C:
- At least 2 items from A
- At least 1 item from B
- At least 1 item from C
A.
Qualitative Impairment in Social Interaction
1. Impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviors ~ eye gaze,
posture, facial expression, & gestures to regulate social
interaction
2. Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental
level
3. Lack of spontaneous seeking to share interests or achievements
4. Lack of social / emotional reciprocity
B. Qualitative Impairment in Communication
1. Delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language
2. If adequate speech, then impaired ability to initiate or sustain
conversation
3. Stereotyped and repetitive use of language/idiosyncratic language
4. Lack of varied, spontaneous pretend play or social imitative
play appropriate to the developmental level.
C. Restricted Repetitive & Stereotyped
Behaviors, Interests and Activities
1. Preoccupation with 1+ restricted and stereotyped patterns of
interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
2. Inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or
rituals
3. Stereotyped repetitive motor mannerisms
4. Persistent Preoccupation with parts of objects
Asperger's Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria
2+ criteria from A: 1+ criteria from B
1. Significant impairment in social, occupational or personal
functioning
2. No significant language delay
3. No significant delay in cognitive development, age appropriate
self help skills, adaptive behavior(except social interaction)
normal curiosity about environment
A. Asperger's Disorder:
Social Impairment
1. Impairment
in use of nonverbal behaviors ~ eye gaze, facial expression, posture
& gestures to regulate social interaction .
2. No peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. Lack of spontaneous seeking to share interests and achievements
4. Social/emotional reciprocity
B. Asperger's Disorder:
Restricted, Repetitive and Stereotyped Patterns
1. Preoccupation with 1+ stereotyped & restricted patterns
of interests that is abnormal ~ intensity or focus
2. Inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or
rituals
3. Stereotyped/repetitive motor mannerisms
4. Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
If a child does not fit
the definition of autism given above, he or she may be diagnosed with
a condition called Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise
Specified (PDD-NOS). Such a diagnosis of non-specific forms of Pervasive
Developmental Disorder (PDD) may include atypical types of Autism
that do not fall into the above categories because of late age of
onset. According
to theDSM-IV; this diagnosis is to be used when autistic-Iike behaviors
are
present -in particular, when there is severe impairment in the development
of
social and verbal communication skills -but the child does not meet
the criteria
for classic autism or any other specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
Involvements of different systems in autism similar to many complex
diseases, genetic and environmental factors including infections,
dietary proteins and peptides, may play a critical role in the development
of Autism. The effects of environmental factors on genetic makeup
result in immune, gastrointestinal, neurological, biochemical and
neuroimmunological abnormalities.
Based on extensive research, it is postulated that Autism is induced
by infectious agent antigens, toxic chemicals and dietary proteins.
This process begins in the gastrointestinal tract but manifests itself
in the brain. |
