According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects one in every 110 children. From 2002 to 2006, the CDC reported that there was a 57 percent increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism and similar disorders. These disorders all demonstrate some degree of impairment in communication, behavior and social interaction, with autism representing the most significant impairment. The growing rate of autism diagnoses in recent years has created concern and interest in further clarifying symptoms.
Definition
Autism is a disorder in which children primarily demonstrate abnormal development in communication, behavior and social interaction. These difficulties often are evident by age 2 or 3 and represent a deviation from expected development. Initial concerns often stem from the child's limited interest in interacting with others. The CDC reports that prevalence of this disorder has been found to be 4.5 times higher in boys than girls.
Core Symptoms
In diagnosing autism, psychologists use the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR). It outlines three specific criteria that must be met. Impairments must be evident in three areas: social interaction, communication and behavior patterns. Atypical behavior in these three areas must begin before age 3. Also, the observable symptoms and behavior must not be the result of Rett's disorder or childhood disintegrative disorder.
Social Interaction
As required for diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR, a child must demonstrate difficulty in social interaction in at least two of the following areas. The child may have difficulty communicating nonverbally, struggling to use appropriate body language, facial expressions and eye contact. He may demonstrate a lack of interest or difficulty forming friendships with other children. A disinterest in sharing experiences with others may be evident, meaning that the child may not show or point to objects to share with another person. Finally, the child may indicate a lack of interest in social activities with others, preferring to be alone.
Communication
Deficits in communication must be present in one of the following areas to qualify for a diagnosis of autism, according to the DSM-IV-TR. The child may demonstrate the absence of or delay in language development. When language does develop, it may have unusual tone or pitch, improper grammar and delays in comprehension. The child may have difficulty having conversations with others. The child may use unusual or repetitive language in which he repeats phrases or says things that have meaning only to him. There also may be difficulty in the child's ability to engage in make-believe play or imitation when interacting with others.
Unusual Behavior Patterns
The third criterion for a diagnosis of autism, according to the DSM-IV-TR, is that the child demonstrates difficulty in at least one of the following areas of behavior. The child may have an intense fixation on a specific activity or interest. She may show a rigid commitment to particular routines, with difficulty adjusting to change. The child may demonstrate repeated use of unusual motor behaviors, such as flapping the hands or rocking the body. Finally, there may be an unusual focus on parts of objects, wheels on cars, for example.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
