Autism

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorders [ASDs] are a group of developmental disabilities that are caused by an abnormality in the brain. People with ASDs tend to have problems with social and communication skills. They also are likely to repeat certain behaviors and to not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. ASDs begin during childhood and last throughout a person's life. [More Information]

Common Characteristics of Autism

There are several specific 'symptoms' from a list in the DSM-IV-TR related to these difficulties, that children must show in order to meet the criteria for Autistic disorder, some of which include:

Unresponsiveness to people
Lack of attachment to parents or caretakers
Rigid or flaccid muscle tone while being held
Little or no interest in human contact
Lack of attachment to parents or caretakers
Language impairment
Impaired speech or language onset in childhood
Meaningless repetition of words or phrases
Bizarre or repetitive behavior patterns such as uncontrollable head banging, screaming fits, arm flapping
Self-destructive behavior
Very distressed by minor changes in the environment
Overreaction or underreaction to sensory stimulus
Delayed mental and social skills [More Information]

Theories on the Causes of Autism

There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in autistic versus non-autistic children. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems. In many families, there appears to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities, further supporting a genetic basis to the disorder. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a susceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single "trigger" that causes autism to develop. [More Information]

Diagnosis of Autism

Doctors should do a “developmental screening” at every well-baby and well-child visit, through the preschool years. In this screening, the doctor asks questions related to normal development that allow him or her to measure a specific child’s development. These questions are often more specific versions of the “red flags” listed above, such as Does the child cuddle like other children? Or, Does the child direct your attention by holding up objects for you to see? A doctor should definitely and immediately evaluate a child for autism if he or she:

Does not babble or coo by 12 months of age
Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp, etc.) by 12 months of age
Does not say single words by 16 months of age
Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own (rather than just repeating what someone says to him or her) by 24 months of age
Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age

If the doctor finds that a child either has definite signs of autism, or has a high number of red flags, he or she will send the child to a specialist in child development or another type of health care professional, so the child can be tested for autism. The specialist will rule out other disorders and use tests specific to autism. Then he or she will decide whether a formal diagnosis of autism, ASD, or another disorder is appropriate. [More Information]

Support Groups

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. [Find Local Chapters]