Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.
Both children and adults diagnosed with ASD typically demonstrate delays in language acquisition, have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, show little interest in social interactions and engage in various stereotypical behaviors which can interfere with appropriate leisure activities and acquisition of skills.
Autism is a “spectrum disorder” which means that symptoms of autism vary significantly across individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals diagnosed with ASD respond to and interact with their environment in different ways.
In some cases, individuals diagnosed with ASD may not be able to speak, may engage in self-stimulatory behaviors (hand flapping, vocal utterances, repetitive behaviors), may engage in aggressive or self-injurious behavior; all of which range in severity and frequency.
Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial.
By learning the signs, a child can begin to benefit from specialized intervention programs.
What is Asperger's Disorder
Asperger's Disorder, also referred to as Asperger's or Asperger's Syndrome, is a developmental disorder characterized by a lack of social skills, difficulty with social relationships, poor coordination and poor concentration and a restricted range of interests, but normal intelligence and adequate language skills in the areas of vocabulary and grammar.
An individual with Asperger's Disorder does not possess a significant delay in language development however, he or she may have difficulty understanding the subtleties used in conversation, such as irony and humor.
Also, while many individuals with Autism have mental retardation, a person diagnosed with Asperger's possesses an average to above average intelligence (Autism Society of America, 1995).
Asperger's is sometimes incorrectly referred to as "high-functioning autism."
What is PDD-NOS?
Children with PDD-NOS either (a) do not fully meet the criteria of symptoms clinicians use to diagnose any of the four specific types of PDD above, and/or (b) do not have the degree of impairment described in any of the above PDD specific types. (Autism Society of America, 1995).
Symptoms of ASD, Asperger’s & PDD-NOS
Delayed onset of spoken language or inability to initiate and sustain conversation
Engages in repetitive vocalizations
Delayed communication abilities (verbal and non-verbal)
Avoids eye contact
Difficulties with social interaction- Complete avoidance or extreme attachment to a single individual
Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment or interests with others (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)
Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
Extreme insistence on sameness
Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors
Inflexible- Aversions to change and preoccupation with specific non-functional schedules or rituals
Hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole body movements
Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects /uses peripheral vision to track items
Oversensitive or under sensitive to pain
Scatter/splinter skills of abilities
Sensitivity to loud noises, tags in clothes, coarse clothing, lights, and smells
Self-limited diet - include food that must be all the same color, size, shape etc.
Tantrums that are excessive in frequency and intensity
(Autism Society of America, 1995).
