What is Autism?
Autism is a brain disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, to reason, and to interact with others. It is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity, and it is often found in combination with other disabilities.
The terms "autism" (from the Greek "autos" for "self") and "autism spectrum disorder" are often used interchangeably and refer to three of five disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
The three "autism spectrum disorders" are: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and PDD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). The other PDDs, which are less common, are Child Disintegrative Disorder and Rett's Disorder.
How Common is Autism?
You might be surprised
to learn that a new case of
autism is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes. Some
may even describe autism as the epidemic of our
time.
• As many as one in 150 children are diagnosed with autism
• Once considered a rare disorder, autism now occurs in two to six individuals
per 1,000.
• Today, more than 1.5 million Americans experience autism
• Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world,
increasing at a rate of 10-17 percent a year
• Twelve to 17 million Americans have a family member living with autism
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007, National Institutes of Health, 2004
and U.S. Department of Education, 1999
What are the Signs of Autism?
 | Spins objects |
| Sustained odd play |
| Little or no eye contact |
| Severe language deficits |
| Insistence on sameness |
| Uneven gross/fine motor skills (may not kick a ball but can stack blocks) |
| Laughs, cries or shows distress for no apparent reasons |
| Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity |
| Difficulty expressing needs; gestures or points instead of speaking |
| Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf but tests in normal range |
| Echolalia (repeats words or phrases in place of normal responsive language) |
| Inappropriate attachment to objects |
| May not want cuddling or act cuddly |
| Unresponsive to normal teaching methods |
| Oversensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain |
| Aloof manner; difficulty mixing with others |
What Causes Autism?
Although autism was first identified in 1943, its cause remains unknown. Researchers, however, generally believe that there is a strong genetic component with a variety of possible external or environmental triggers. Whatever the cause, it is clear that children with autism are born with the disorder or the potential to develop it. Autism is not caused by bad parenting, and children with autism are not unruly kids who choose to misbehave.
How is Autism Diagnosed?
Autism typically appears by age 3, though diagnosis can and should be made as early as possible so that treatment can begin early.
An accurate diagnosis is based on observation of the individual's communication, behavior, and developmental levels by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. There are no medical tests for autism. However, because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, medical tests may be ordered to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited.
How is Autism Treated?
There is no cure of autism. However evidence shows that early intervention results in positive outcomes for children with autism; and the earlier treatment begins, the better.
Studies show that those with autism respond well to a highly-structured, specialized education program tailored to their needs. Some may need one-on-one or small group support, while others may be successful in a fully inclusive general education environment with supports.
Because autism is a spectrum disorder, no one method alone is effective in treating autism. Other treatments that may help include: medicine, diet, vitamins, and occupational and sensory therapies.
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