Autism is a type of pervasive developmental disorder characterized by an inability to comprehend, reciprocate or initiate common social cues. Often the autistic person does not develop appropriate language skills and makes stereotypic movements or engages in repetitive behaviors. According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," it may only be diagnosed if abnormal functioning in one of these areas is present by age 3. Some people with autism may also be mentally retarded. There is also a form of high-functioning autism called "Asperger's Disorder."
Physical Signs
According to "Synopsis of Psychiatry" children with autism are likely to have enlarged brains. When the enlargement is in the temporal lobe in animals, social skills are lost and repetitive behavior occurs. Thus temporal lobe enlargement is an important focus of attention for autism researchers. Children with autism are also more likely than non-autistic children to have abnormal fingerprints.
Poor Eye Contact
Persons with autism usually do not make good eye contact or other non-verbal cues with others. Their lack of responsiveness in social interaction is caused, in part, by these deficiencies.
Absence of Social Reciprocity
Children with autism lack the ability to use ordinary give-and-take in relationships. They cannot hold a reciprocal conversation in which each person speaks and listens. If they play, autistic children cannot spontaneously show their playmates something interesting, share toys or take turns.
Withdrawal
It is not unusual for an autistic child to withdraw into her own inner world even when parents or other important people are with her. Depending in part on how the autism is treated, she may be less withdrawn in time if she gets taught about social skills, in an autism treatment setting and at home.
Poor Communication and Language
One of the hallmarks of autism is the person's problems using language because of developmental delay. Autistic children may have trouble putting together sentences, even if they know the words.
Resistance to Change
For the autistic child, even small changes in routine are usually difficult. Such changes may be met with frustration, confusion, defiance or failure to acknowledge the change.
Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviors
According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," children with autism do not play as spontaneously as their typical peers. Their play is more rigid and includes stereotyped rituals and repetition. Children may spin, line up toys or get very attached to one inanimate thing. Those who can play video games may do so in an intense, compulsive way.
High Pain Threshold
Autistic children often underrespond to pain. It can take a very painful injury for them to cry out for help.
Agitated Behavior
Many children with autism display some aggression and have temper tantrums. Some engage in self-injurious behavior like head-banging, hair pulling or biting. When these children are agitated, they have difficulty focusing on tasks or paying attention. If this behavior occurs regularly, the child may be misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Higher Functioning With Autistic Signs
Some children with autism may have areas of functioning in which they do very well. For example, a child with Asperger's disorder, a higher functioning form of autism, could be unusually good at reading but not strong in other areas. Learning and abilities in other areas may be delayed, even though the child is above his developmental level in reading.
References
- "Synopsis of Psychiatry, 9th ed."; Benjamin J. Sadock, Virginia A. Sadock; 2003.
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
