Autism Spectrum Disorders

What is it?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a group of complex brain disorders consisting of a wide range of symptoms known as the spectrum. These impairments are expressed in varying degrees of difficulties affecting social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and often causing repetitive behaviors.

The Five Disorders

Autistic disorder (commonly known as classic autism) involves more severe impairments with social and language functioning along with repetitive behavior. Aspergers disorder (Asperger syndrome) is the mildest form of autism sometimes called high functioning autism. This disorder affects boys more than girls characterized by an obsessive interest in a single object or topic, impaired social skills, and uncoordinated physical ability. Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is the diagnosis given to a child whose symptoms are not falling within any of the existing specific categories, being more severe than Aspergers syndrome but not as severe as autistic disorder. Rett's disorder (Rett syndrome) is one of the two rare forms of autism and almost exclusively affecting girls. It appears between the ages of 6 to 18 months with the child losing language and social skills, and wringing their hands habitually. It is believed to be caused by a random rather than inherited genetic mutation. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is the most severe autistic spectrum disorder and the least common. This disorder usually affects a normal developing child between the ages of 2 and 4 years old causing them to lose function in their social and language skills and intellectual abilities becoming severely impaired with no recovery

The Affects Social interaction, communication, and activities and interests

A Scenario of frustration
Temple Grandin, Ph.D., renowned high functioning adult with autism and author of several books writes, "I can remember the frustration of not being able to talk at age three. This caused me to throw many a tantrum. I could understand what people said to me, but I could not get my words out. It was like a big stutter, and starting words was difficult. My first few words were very difficult to produce and generally had only one syllable, such as bah for ball. It was like a big stutter. I can remember logically thinking to myself that I would have to scream because I had no other way to communicate." (Grandin, 1995, 44)

The Cause
Research shows that there is no one cause of autism. Scientists believe that there are several possibilities that could increase a childs risk of autism. These include the presence of genetic predispositions or environmental risk factors events before and during birth. Most recently researchers are focusing on the role of the childs immune system in the role of autism.

"A leader is a person who can influence others to get lots of good things done. We need more leaders who can make real positive change happen and not just talk about it." ~Temple Grandin