Explaining Autism Spectrum Disorder

Explaining autism spectrum disorder must begin with the fact that it is actually a series of pervasive developmental disorders that have some core symptoms in common. Pervasive developmental disorders are complex neurological disorders that affect brain development. Disorders falling under the title of autism spectrum disorder include classic autism, Retts syndrome, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS, which means pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

These disorders all have a number of symptoms in common. These include significant impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction skills, along restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. These symptoms vary in severity very widely, even among people diagnosed with the same autism spectrum disorder. Approximately one in every 150 children born today is affected by some form of autism spectrum disorder, and the rates have been continually rising in recent years.

The various disorders that have a place on the autism spectrum differ in significant ways. Some can cause devastating levels of disability, while others carry symptoms that are much less intense. The age and manner of onset is another factor that can differ from one spectrum disorder to another, as is causation, with some disorders able to be traced to genetic dysfunctions, while in others the causes are largely unknown.

Classic autism, also known as autistic disorder, is one of the most commonly occurring autism spectrum disorders. Among its most distinguishing characteristics is the appearance of symptoms before the age of three. Individuals with classic autism can have symptoms that include substantial delays in speech and language, with a small percentage of affected individuals remaining entirely nonverbal. People with classic autism may not be able to interpret nonverbal cues, such as gestures, body posture, or facial expression. Deficits in social interaction skills are common. Sensory issues are often present, causing some to be overly sensitive to sounds, lights, smells, and textures. Others may be the opposite, not noticing sensory input like pain or discomfort,and some will display over sensitivity in certain areas and under sensitivity in others. Some individuals with autism may have difficulty in maintaining eye contact with others, or seem rather disconnected from the people and activities that surround them. Many are very fixed in daily routines, becoming anxious or resistant when those routines are broken. Those with classic autism may display just a few of these symptoms or all of them, and every autistic individual will show them in differing degrees and combinations.

Childhood disintegrative disorder, also known as Heller's syndrome, has core symptoms in common with classic autism, but differs in one key area, its onset. Children with CDD will develop typically for several years, meeting the early childhood developmental benchmarks nicely. Then, quite suddenly, the child will begin to lose skills. Self help, language, verbal, and social skills begin to fade away, with children often regressing into severe autistic symptoms. Childhood disintegrative disorder is quite rare, and is often confused with late onset, or regressive autism. However, CDD is far less common and generally occurs at a later age than regressive autism. CDD also carries a higher chance of mental retardation than regressive autism and the loss of skills is more dramatic.

Asperger syndrome is characterized by the same basic symptoms as other autism spectrum disorders, such as communication and social interaction deficits, repetitive motions and routines, limited and intensely focused interests, and sensory issues. However, it is distinguished from autism by several important differences. Asperger syndrome carries symptoms that are generally much less severe than those of classic autism, and there are no significant speech and language delays. Mental retardation is not a factor in Asperger syndrome, with affected individuals ranging from average to well above average in IQ.

Rett's disorder is quite rare and is only known to occur in females. This disorder strikes after approximately six to eighteen months of typical development. Its onset is gradual at first, with symptoms beginning to appear that can include a loss of muscle tone, slow head and brain growth, and an inability to control the hands. Speech may be lost and seizures and cognitive issues are common. Growth can be severely impaired and breathing issues can become a problem.

PPD-NOS is the classification given to individuals who display a number of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, but not enough of them to meet the criteria for a more specific diagnosis. Those affected may show any combination of the typical symptoms of autism, from sensory issues to communication and social interaction deficits, repetitive behaviors to narrow interests and obsessive routines. These may be present in varying degrees, from mild to severe.

Among the most difficult aspects of explaining autism spectrum disorder is the question of why it happens. Currently, the causes of these developmental disorders are not clear, although new research is promising. Since autism is shown to run in families, there is most certainly a genetic component to these disorders. However, many experts theorize that environmental factors may play a role, triggering the disorder in those with certain genetic vulnerabilities. While definitive answers to these questions are yet to come, research done over the past decade or so has shown more concrete results when it comes to treatment. New and more effective therapies introduced in recent years that have made great strides in helping people with autism gain function and independence, making brighter futures possible for many as they await a breakthrough that could produce a cure.

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• 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

• Pervasive Developmental Disorder
• PDD NOS
• Autism Diagnostic Interview
• Terbutaline and Autistic Spectrum Disorders
• Asperger Syndrome Describing Disorder to Parent