Definition for Autism Spectrum Disorder

A collection of different types of autism is the simple definition for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is a developmental disorder appearing within the first two to three years of a child’s life. This disorder affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. ASD persists into adulthood and remains a lifelong challenge.

A generation ago autism was hardly diagnosed. A large number of autistic adults are not aware of their condition. As a result of poor support, or none at all, during childhood autistic adults today are less equipped than the next generation is likely to be. Adults with autism may not be accurately diagnosed. Instead they are often thought to have various other mental health problems.

The word "spectrum" indicates an additional meaning within the definition for autism spectrum disorder. The condition is a ‘spectrum disorder’, meaning it can exist in various degrees of severity. It is defined not only by 'mild', 'moderate', or 'severe' forms of the disorder, but by any degree in between. A highly functioning person with autism can be classified under autism spectrum disorder, while another person with a much more debilitating form of the condition is classified under autism spectrum as well.

Children with autism spectrum disorder have compromised social communication. Often parents notice their toddlers are not developing like other children. When their verbal development does not progress, they show difficulty with pretend-play and are abnormally stressed by a change in routine. A few visits to a pediatrician or specialist results in a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder.

Children with autism do not only show behavioral abnormalities, but may also be overly sensitive to sensory inputs such as hearing, touch, smell, and taste. They show unusual attachment to objects and may show greater than usual distress when routines are changed.

This can lead to a great deal of misunderstanding between parents and child, and between peers and the child. Generally speaking, autistic children do not prefer to be alone, but because of their difficulty communicating, they have greater difficulty with social interactions.

Children with autism tend to develop language skills slowly. In a few cases, these skills do not develop at all. Even when language skills are present, starting or maintaining a social conversation is very difficult. Autistic children are unable to pick up on, and interpret, social cues. They don't understand the meaning of facial expressions. Many autistic children find it impossible to capture information from a person's intonation.

Autistic children generally avoid playing interactive games and seem withdrawn to the casual observer. They often avoid eye contact or do not respond to facial gestures, such as smiles. Children with autism also show little imaginative or “pretend,” play. They seem to engage in ritualistic play instead. This could involve playing out a game show the child saw on TV or acting out a script from a movie. Often, these scripts are meticulously repeated, in the same way the child saw it performed on TV.

Pretend play involves the use of creativity, including 'playing house', or dressing up. For children with autism this type of play is very challenging. They tend not to participate without extensive therapy.

Adults with autism, who were not diagnosed and treated as children, can show a wide range of behavioral challenges. These adults were never helped to develop basic social skills when they were children. This means that some with severe forms of autism may have been institutionalized over the course of their lives. Adults, just like children, have trouble controlling their emotions. Some autistic adults impulsively act on feelings of anger. This can lead to crimes being committed and subsequent incarceration. In either case the individual needs to be treated or supported for the actual cause of the problem.

Adults with high functioning autism are relatively productive members of society. To the outside observer, they appear to be very eccentric. For example, an autistic man may reorganize his CD collection by the composer’s date of birth. Another individual may fall asleep on the floor during social events. Still others may show symptoms of obsessive compulsive behavior. An example of this can be an obsession with not walking on the cracks between the tiles on the sidewalk. All of these examples show atypical social behavior.

Despite possessing average or above average intelligence, autistic adults are unable to think abstractly. This can make certain types of jobs impossible.

Despite social difficulties, a great number of autistic adults do find partners and marry. These marriages face particular challenges that span beyond poorly adapted public behavior. Often the non-autistic partner feels isolated and alone, left to take care of everything from housework to childcare.

Although this behavior is not unique to marriages dealing with autism, adults affected by ASD have difficulty empathizing with others and understanding another's point of view. This can make them challenging partners to live with; especially when both partners are unaware the person has autism to begin with.

A wife, with an autistic husband, may complain or nag that she is the only one taking care of the household and the children. The autistic husband, not having noticed a clear disparity in the division of tasks, will just react surprised to the wife's complaints. These interactions result in hurt feelings for both husband and wife. The situation could easily escalate without either understanding why.

Autism spectrum disorder refers to a collection of different autism types, each of which can exist in mild, moderate and severe forms:

• Autism
• Asperger Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Rett Syndrome

If you suspect your loved-one has autism, or if you have autism yourself, it is important to seek out proper guidance and support. Autism is a developmental disorder; it can be managed with support, treatment, and guidance. Autism does not have to hold anyone back from achieving great goals!

For more information, browse our Top 10 Autism Sites.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Apraxia and Autism
• Genetic Causes of Autism
• Different Levels of Autism
• Autism Types