Classical Autism

Classical autism, also called Kanner's Syndrome, childhood autism, infantile autism, or autism disorder, is the most well-known of the disorders classified on the autism spectrum.

Classical Autism: History and Facts

First described by Dr. Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist at John's Hopkins University, in the 1940s, autism was, at that time, a rare disorder, seldom seen by doctors. Characterized by several core symptoms and many secondary ones, autism is much more common today. In order for a diagnosis of autism to be made, three major symptoms must be present. These are impaired social interaction, communication difficulties, both verbal and non-verbal, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests which are often obsessive or repetitive.

Perhaps the most distinctive of these core symptoms is the impairment in social interaction skills; this is generally the first symptom to be noticed by parents and physicians. Children with autism can begin to display this symptom in infancy, being less responsive to people than the average child or focusing intently on a particular toy or other item for a prolonged period of time. They may seem withdrawn or indifferent to those around them, failing to become interested in normal social activities with parents, siblings, and peers.

Communication skills are often compromised in a variety of ways. Children with autism may not respond appropriately or at all when called by name, and may avoid eye contact with others. Many children with autism have speech delays or impairments, and a small percentage of autistic individuals may remain entirely non-verbal throughout their lives. Non-verbal communication can be extremely difficult for those with classical autism to interpret, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, gestures, and body language.

Unusual or repetitive behaviors are common with autism, such as rocking, hand flapping, twirling, or head banging. Interests and activities can be very narrow and focused, centered on one or two subjects to the exclusion of all others, and those affected by autism can be very dependent on adhering to strict routines, becoming anxious or upset when they are broken. Sensory issues are also quite common with autism, such as lower sensitivity to pain, heat, and cold, and heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells, lighting, and textures. These sensory issues can contribute to behavioral symptoms, causing anxiety, self stimulating or soothing behaviors, or even violent outbursts.

These symptoms and others can be displayed by those with classical autism in varying numbers, combinations, and severity from one individual to another. In fact, no two autistic individuals will display the exact same combination of symptoms, each and every case is unique.

Promising Research and Treatments

Knowledge about autism has increased dramatically since Dr. Kanner's early descriptions of the disorder. However, despite extensive research into its causes, and a proliferation of plausible theories that are under investigation, scientists have yet to find the answers as to why autism happens. However, current research indicates that a genetic and environmental issues may work together to cause the changes in brain development that lead to autism spectrum disorders.

While researchers have been unable to isolate a definitive cause for autism as of yet, nor find any cure for the disorder, much has been discovered in the way of effective treatments and therapies that can dramatically improve the level of function and quality of life of many individuals with autism. With early, intensive interventions that include speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapies, many children with autism are reaching developmental heights that would have been unobtainable in past years. Promising treatments and therapies, such as ABA, sensory integration therapy, and many others are making a big difference in the lives of many individuals with autism as well, and new approaches are being developed every day to help minimize the impact of autism on the lives of those affected and their families.

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