1. What Does
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain. Symptoms typically emerge before children are 3 years old, and the disorder usually lasts a lifetime. Autism is classified as one of five pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). These disorders, including Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) and PDD not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), all feature delays in socialization and communication as primary characteristics. Autism, Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS often are referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Both Rett syndrome and CDD are sometimes included in the ASD category as well. Within the autism community, ASDs and PDDs often are referred to as "the spectrum."
The term "autism" is used interchangeably to refer to the classic autism disorder and the autism spectrum disorders. If your child is diagnosed with autism, it's important to understand whether he has autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, PDD-NOS or one of the other PDDs. Symptoms of each of these disorders can range from mild to severe, and they can require different treatment recommendations and prognoses.
2. Each Autistic Child is Different
People with ASDs and PDDs are referred to as being on "the spectrum" because a wide range of traits and impairments characterize these disorders. If your child is on one end of the spectrum, she may only exhibit mildly impaired social skills and other "odd" behaviors. A child at the other end may be completely uncommunicative and anti-social. Doctors identify many symptoms and degrees of severity between the extreme ends of the spectrum, so no two autistic children are exactly alike.
Some children with autism can, with the help of interventional therapy, grow up to live independent lives, hold jobs and start families. Seeking out early intervention is usually key to the most promising prognoses. Even with early intervention, however, your child may struggle with autism symptoms throughout his life and may require long-term care. Every child progresses in treatment at a different rate and to a different level of recovery.
3. The World of Autism
Even though more information about autism has been publicized, autistics are often grossly misunderstood. Some people think of autism as a form of mental retardation. In fact, many autistics (particularly those with Asperger's syndrome or PDD-NOS) display normal or above average intelligence. Impaired human interaction, both socially and communicatively, is common among austistics. An autistic may avoid eye contact, play alone, resist affection and "zone out" in the company of others. Language skills are often delayed or lost, and the autistic may speak abnormally or be unable to hold a conversation. Despite being unable to communicate with or relate to others in "normal" ways, however, the autistic's cognitive skills may be functioning normally.
Abnormal behavior is another common trait among autistics. Obsessive routines, repetitive movements, hypersensitivity to light, sound and touch and other similar behaviors are influenced by how autistics see and experience the world. Targeted therapy to teach your child how to overcome social and language impairments and interact with the environment appropriately is key to unlocking the world.
