Autism Defined
Autism is a complex neurological developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by significant impairments in social interaction and communication skills, as well as by the presence of extremely challenging behaviors. These behaviors may vary in intensity and affect individuals differently.
Many people with ASDs also may have different ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. They may also engage in repetitive motor behaviors (hand flapping, body rocking, etc), in some cases, aggression or self-injurious behaviors. Many individuals with an ASD have significant cognitive impairments, although some have typical or even above average IQs. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary from gifted to severely challenged.
History of Autism
Autism was first described by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943. He reported that eleven children he had observed showed a marked lack of interest in other people, but a highly unusual interest in the inanimate environment. Initially, Autism was thought to be an early form of schizophrenia, which led to the belief that its onset could be caused by negative experience or bad parenting. We now know this is not the case.
There is no known single cause for Autism Spectrum Disorders, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Many studies have shown differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with Autism compared to the shape and structure of the brain in neurotypical children. Researchers do not know the exact cause of Autism but are investigating a number of theories, including the links among heredity, genetics, and medical problems. Scientists have determined that Autism is a genetically based condition. Scientists are unsure what, if any, environmental triggers may be involved in Autism. One theory, popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, that vaccines cause Autism, has since beendisproven by numerous studies conducted around the world.
Autism Today
In their latest report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM Autism Prevalence Report. The latest research shows that 1 in 44 children in the United States are being diagnosed with Autism – nearly a doubling of the prevalence since the CDC began tracking these numbers. Autism can now officially be declared an epidemic in the United States. The incidence of ASD is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls. ASD is found in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. More than 3.5 million Americans live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Buescher et al., 2014) (statistics updated 2016)
Currently, the Autism Society of America estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with Autism rangers from $3.5 million to $5 million. The U.S. cost of Autism over the lifespan is about $2.4 million for a person with an intellectual disability, or $1.4 million for a person without intellectual disability. (Buescher et al., 2014)
Autism is treatable; however, children do not “outgrow” Autism. Research shows that early intervention treatment services, especially Applied Behavior Analysis treatment, can greatly improve a child’s development and long term prognosis. ABA encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors in order to improve a variety of skills. Early intervention services help children from birth to three years old learn important skills including communication, gross motor and fine motor skills, play and socialization skills, and basic life skills. It is important to talk to your child’s doctor as soon as possible if you think your child has ASD or other developmental problems. However, treatment at any age has been shown to improve the lifetime successes of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Characteristics of Autism
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders list the following characteristics for Autism:
- Marked impairment of eye-to-eye gaze
- Lack of facial expressions
- Impaired ability to engage in appropriate social behaviors
- Odd body posture
- Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
- Lack of or delay in spoken language
- May engage in behaviors that could cause damage to themselves
- May have an aversion to touch
- Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms
- Need for sameness or routines
- Impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Lack of appropriate play skills
- Severe tantrum behaviors
Here are some links to help you get to know Autism Spectrum Disorder: