Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are general terms for a group of complex brain development disorders. These disorders are characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. The spectrum includes autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, and Asperger syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues. |
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Autism's Spectrum |
Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities. Many persons take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and atypical ways of viewing the world. Others have significant disabilities and are unable to live independently. About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means. |
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How Common is Autism/ASD? |
| Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that around 1 in 88 American children are affected; this is a ten-fold increase in prevalence from 40 years ago. The increase may be attributed to improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies show that autism is three to four times more common among boys. An estimated one out of 54 boys and one in 252 girls in the United States are diagnosed with autism. |
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What Causes Autism? |
There is no one cause for autism, just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves. Most causes of autism, however, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development. |
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Warning Signs |
If you are concerned that your child may be displaying actions which may indicate ASD, here are four warning signs.
1. Trouble with social communication and social interaction. To fully be aware of whether your child has trouble with social interaction and communication, three things must be present.
•Trouble with social-emotional reciprocity.An example of this is your child may have difficulty having a back and forth conversation because he or she may not share interests or emotions which will present itself in total lack of initiation of social interaction.
•Issues with nonverbal communicative cues.This means your child may have issue with verbal OR nonverbal communication. Abnormalities in eye contact and body-language, lack of facial expressions or gestures would indicate problems with nonverbal communication.
•Difficulties developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to developmental level. This would express itself as difficulties adjusting social behavior to fit varying social environments, trouble sharing imaginative play with other children, and in making friends because of an absences of the interest in people
2. Repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and/or activities. Two of the following must be present to indicate an issue with repetitive behavior/activities.
•Repeating speech or motor movements
•Excessive focus on routines or ritualized patters of verbal and nonverbal behavior and/or extreme resistance to change (becomes distressed if something disrupts routines or rituals)
•Extreme fixation on objects and/or an abnormally intense focus on interests.
•Heightened responses to sensory objects such as indifference to hot or cold, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, and excessive smelling or touching.
3. Symptoms appear in early childhood, but you may not realize the severity until the individuals social responsive seem inappropriate or deficient for the social environment.
4. Combined symptoms limit and impair the individuals everyday functioning.
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Treatment |
While there is no known cure for autism there are treatment and education approaches that may reduce some of the challenges. Intervention may help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence. But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies individuals with ASD, there is no single effective treatment. Individuals can learn to function within the parameters of ASD and use the positive aspects of their condition to their benefit, but treatment must begin as early as possible and be tailored to the child’s unique needs.
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What kind of psychologist provides useful assistance for individuals with autism? |
There are many types of psychologists who treat autism. For a child with autism spectrum disorder, a developmental psychologist or a pediatric psychologist is usually trained in making the diagnosis of autism and deciphering it from other causes of language or related problems.
This is usually done in combination with a medical professional like a pediatric neurologist, developmental behavioral pediatrician, or a child psychiatrist. Behavioral psychologists are extremely helpful to many parents of kids with autism because they work with specific behaviors and reward systems. One of the key therapies that is used in autism spectrum is Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA, which is based on behavioral psychology. Following initial treatment, one would go back often to a pediatric or a developmental psychologist to monitor the progress of the behavioral interventions provided by the behavioral psychologist.
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| Keywords: Autism, Autism spectrum disorder, ASD, Asperger Syndrome |
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Online Resources
What is Autism?
Autism Speaks
Autism Spectrum Disorder
American Psychiatric Association DSM-5 Development
Treatment Options
Autism Society
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