Autism & Communication Disorder.                   

What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurological disorders that affect individuals in the areas of social interaction and communication. Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder meaning the symptoms can occur in any combination and with varying degrees of severity. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) classification system, ASD can be sub grouped into 5 types

1. Autism.

2. Childhood disintegrative disorder.

3. Rett’s syndrome.

4. Asperger syndrome.

5. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified) {PDD - NOS}

What is Autism?

Autism is a psycho neurobiological condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) that affects boys four times more often than girls, and it is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity.

Other PDDs include Asperger’s Disorder, Rett’s  Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and PDD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). Although each individual with autism improves in functioning over time, unfortunately, children do not “grow” out of autism. It is a lifelong disability.

Common Symptoms of ASD

• Absence or impairment of imaginative and social play
• Impaired ability to make friends with peers.
• Impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others.
• Stereotyped, repetitive or unusual use of language.
• Restricted pattern of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus.
• Apparently inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals.
• Pre-occupation with parts of objects.

Early childhood symptoms of ASD

• Lack of eye contact.
• Less looking at others.
• Ignoring people.
• Lack of social smile.
• Preference for aloneness.
• Poor attention.
• Lack of appropriate facial expression.
• Does not respond to name calls.
• Lack of babbling or meaningful gestures by 1 year of age.
• Impaired social interaction.
• Lack of emotional Expression.
• Poor speech, language and communication Skills.

What Causes Autism / ASD ?

The vast majority of autism cases have no known cause, and there is no known cure. However, professionals researching autism believe that there is every reason to hope that in the coming decade we will know the cause of autism, which in term will lead to more effective treatments, appropriate services and improvements in the lives of those affected by autism.

 How is Autism / ASD diagnosed ?

Autism can be diagnosed in infants as young as 1 year - old by observation using proper questionnaires and screening tools. A developmental pediatrician, speech language pathologist, psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist familiar with developmental disorders can make a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and early intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes and better levels of functioning for children with autisms, as they become adults.

How is Autism / ASD / PDD treated ?

Evidence has shown that early communication, behavioral and educational intervention work well for children with ASD/PDD. Other beneficial therapies include speech, occupational therapy and sensory integration therapies. Parental involvement and participation is very important. Parental support groups greatly contribute in autistic intervention.

Courtesy: AIISH, Mysore.  For More Information: AIISH , Ph: 0821 - 2514449