|
|
 |
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
Understanding Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Asperger's SyndromeWhat is Autism?The disorder commonly known as Autism is in fact only one of a range of disorders called Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Autism was first identified in 1943. Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland was studying children who showed a profound lack of emotional contact with their parents, an intense desire for routine, and a lack of the ability to communicate. From these studies he correlated a series of symptoms that he considered to make up a disorder that he named Autism. At the same time Dr. Hans Asperger of Vienna was studying a similar set of characteristics but in a far milder form. These characteristics became the basis for a milder form of Autism called Aspergers. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Version 4 (DSM-IV) defines all of the disorders in the Autistic Spectrum as Pervasive Development Disorders. In addition to Kanner’s Autism and Aspergers there are three other Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD) on the spectrum. Rhett’s Syndrome, identified by Dr. Alexander Rhetts of Australia in 1965, is a neurological disorder that only affects girls. It is quite uncommon, but particularly severe in aspect. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (also known as Heller’s Syndrome) affects mostly boys, and is characterized by a severe regression of developmental skills that has a late onset (over 3 years of age). A fifth category of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) acts as a catch-all for children who show some, but not all of the characteristics of other PDDs. No-one knows what causes ASD. It is likely that a combination of genetics and environmental toxins are to blame. The Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic of Australia is working on studies to discern the mixture of genetics and environment that cause ASD. While some people firmly believe that thimerosal in some vaccinations cause autism, the US Food and Drug Administration has studied the theory, publishing their results on their website. How is Autism Recognized?According to the DSM-IV the following characteristics must be present for a child to be considered on the Autistic Spectrum. 1. A qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: (a) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors, such as eye-to- eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction (b) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level (c) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest) (d) lack of social or emotional reciprocity 2. A qualitative impairment in communication, as manifested by at least one of the following: (a) delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime) (b) in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others (c) stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language (d) lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level
3. Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities as manifested by at least one of the following: (a) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus (b) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals (c) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting or complex whole-body movements) (d) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects 4. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (a) social interaction (b) language as used in social communication (c) symbolic or imaginative play 5. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Most often ASD is recognized by the parents who see that their child does not quite seem on track with his or her development. Sometimes they may notice small things such as the fact that their child does not enjoy being held, or enjoys repetitive activities such as spinning or banging. Other times a child that seemed to be developing normally suddenly regresses, seemingly forgetting how to speak, or interact with others. The earlier a parent can recognize an ASD, the better the chances of helping the child lead a normal, productive life. Organizations such as Autism Speaks strive to educate parents about the warning signs of disorders such as autism, and of the treatments that can help their children overcome their difficulties. How to Treat AutismUnfortunately there is no cure for ASD. While some children appear to “grow out of” some of the symptoms, the disorder remains a part of their neurological make-up for life. There are those who claim to be able to cure ASD. Dr. Amy Lansky claims that homeopathy can cure autism in her book, Impossible Cure: The Promise of Homeopathy. These cures are controversial in nature as many of the diagnoses of autism are questionable, making the resulting cure questionable. Instead of trying to “cure” autism, it is necessary to work to develop the child’s skills through occupational therapy. One of the most accepted methods of therapy is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Through methods like ABA children within the spectrum learn to interact in acceptable ways, and communicate their needs to others. Another method of treatment is neurofeedback, one of the services described on this website and offered by Dr. Rothman. There are no medications known to help with autism itself. However, many autistic children have co-morbid conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorder, or OCD, all of which respond well to medication. With early intervention and a well-developed treatment plan it is possible to make significant gains in an autistic child’s life. Many children with ASD develop into productive adults. While they may be “quirky” or “odd” to others who are not on the spectrum, many adults on the spectrum are successful in their respective career choices. Those at the more severe end of the spectrum are generally less successful in life, but often are capable of coping with a moderate level of assisted care. For more information on ASD try visiting the following websites: Autism Treatment Services of Canada
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
