1.What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a complex neurological disorder
affecting individuals in the areas of social interaction
and communication. Autism and its associated
behaviors have been estimated to occur in
1 in 150 births, and is four times as prevalent
among males than females. Autism is referred
to as a spectrum disorder--meaning the symptoms
can occur in any combination and with varying
degrees of severity. It is also a lifelong disability.


2. What are the different types of diagnoses?
What are the different types of diagnoses?
Pervasive Development Disorders (PDDs) is the "umbrella term" for a group of disorders that includes:• Autistic Disorder ("Classic Autism"): impairments in social interaction,                                                                 communication, and imaginative play prior to                                                                age 3 years. Stereotyped behaviors, interests,                                                              and activities. • Asperger's Disorder:                                                                            characterized by impairments in social                                                                         interactions and the presence of restricted                                                                    interests and activities, with no clinically                                                                      significant delay in language, and testing in
                                                           the  range of average to above average                                                                        intelligence.  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): (commonly referred to as atypical autism) a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child does not meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis, but there is a severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors. • Rett's Syndrome: a syndrome which occurs primarily in females and rarely in males. Period of normal development and then loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands replaced with repetitive hand movements beginning at the age of 1 to 4 years. • Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years, significant loss of previously acquired skills. (American Psychiatric Association 1994) The term Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) generally refer to the first three disorders — Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and PDD-NOS.


3.  What causes Autism?
Autism has no single cause. It was once
thought to be a psychological disorder caused by
traumatic experiences, leading to emotional and
social withdrawal. Today, researchers believe that
several genes, possibly in combination with
environmental factors, may contribute to autism.
Some studies of individuals with autismhave also
shown abnormalities in several regions of the
brain, including the cerebellum, amygdala, and
hippocampus. While these findings are substantial,
they require further study.

4.  How can Autism be treated?
                                                           There is currently no cure for autism. However,                                                              continued research has provided a clearer                                                                    understanding of the disorder and has led to                                                                 better treatments and therapies. Studies have                                                               shown that appropriate interventions can                                                                      positively change autism's associated
                                                            behaviors. Early intervention can significantly                                                                improve the quality of life for individuals with                                                                  autism. However, the majority of individuals                                                                  with ASD will continue to exhibit some symptoms in varying degrees throughout their lives. The most effective programs share    an emphasis on early, appropriate, and intensive interventions. To accommodate the diverse needs of individuals with ASD, effective approaches should be flexible, re-evaluated regularly, and provide the child with opportunities for generalization. Parents should investigate any and all treatments thoroughly and use caution before subscribing to any particular treatment.

5.  What is the prognosis for my child?
There is no "one real answer" to this question. We cannot tell you what the prognosis will be for your child. What we can share with you is this: Much has been learned about autism spectrum disorder in the last ten years. Now, with appropriate treatment, many people with autism are active, participating members of their communities.
People with ASD can learn to compensate for
and cope with their disability, often quite well.
While each individual is unique, it may help
to know that: • Children with ASD are learning
in regular education classrooms with and from
their peers. • Students with ASD continue their
education beyond high school. Some people
with ASD graduate from college. • Adults with
ASD, even those who face challenging
symptoms, are capable ofholding jobs in the
community. • More people with ASD are living
in a home or community of their own rather than
institutions.• People with ASD are becoming self-advocates. Some are forming networks to share information, support each other and have their voices heard in the public arena. More frequently, people with ASD are attending and/or speaking at conferences and workshops on autism. • People with ASD are providing valuable insight into the challenges of this disability by publishing articles and books and by appearing on television specials about their lives and their disabilities.


6.  What about school for my child, how do I know where
    he/she should go?
                                                   The determination of an appropriate educational                                                            approach for students  with autism must be based                                                        on the needs of each individual child. Careful                                                                assessment by a team of professionals in                                                                    consultation with parents or guardians will help                                                             determine an appropriate educational program for                                                          each student regardless of the child's level of                                                                disability, studies show  that children with autism                                                          respond well to a highly structured educational                                                           setting with appropriate support and accommodations tailored to individual needs. The educational program should build on the interests of the child and use visuals to accompany instruction. When necessary,     it should incorporate other services, such as speech or occupational therapy, to address motor skill development and sensory integration issues.

Information provided by Autism Link and the Autism Society of America
Graphics used by permission from Cheryl Kelly
www.designbycher.com/autism_art.htm

Detecting Autism
A parent checklist of behavioral signs and symptoms that can aid you in determining the possibility of Autism.

Individuals with autism usually exhibit at least half of the traits listed below.  These symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary in intensity from symptom to symptom.  In addition, the behavior usually occurs across many different situations and is consistently inappropriate for their age.

  • Insistence on sameness; resists changes in routine.
  • Severe language deficits.
  • Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words.
  • Echolalia (repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language.
  • Laughing, crying, or showing distress for reasons not apparent to others.
  • Prefers to be alone; aloof manner.
  • Tantrums-displays extreme distress for no apparent reason.
  • Difficulty in mixing with others.
  • May not want cuddling or act cuddly.
  • Little or no eye contact.
  • Unresponsive to normal teaching methods.
  • Sustained odd play.
  • Spins objects.
  • Inappropriate attachment to objects.
  • Apparent oversensitivity or undersensitivity to pain.
  • No real fear of dangers.
  • Noticeable physical overactivity or extreme underactivity.
  • Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range.
  • Uneven gross/fine motor skills (may not kick a ball but can stack blocks).

Methodology of dealing with a person who has ASD:

  • Approach the person in a quiet, non-threatening manner
  • Understand that touching the person with autism may cause the protective  "fight or flight reaction."
  • Talk to the person in a moderate and calm voice.
  • Instructions should be simple and direct, avoid slang.
  • Seek all indicators to evaluate the situation as it is unfolding and be willing to adjust your actions accordingly.
  • Maintain a safe distance until any inappropriate behaviors lessen but remain alert to the possibility of outbursts or impulsive acts.

Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder may:
  • Not understand what you say
  • Not understand tone of voice, gestures or expressions like frowning or grinning
  • Appear deaf
  • Be unable to speak or speak with difficulty
  • Engage in repetitive behaviors
  • Act upset for no apparent reason
  • Appear insensitive to pain
  • Appear anxious or nervous
  • Dart away from you unexpectedly
  • Engage in self-stimulating behaviors (hand flapping, rocking)

Information gathered from:
Dennis Dabbaudt (www.autismriskmanagement.com)
Autism Society of America (www.autism-society.org)
Autism Society of Delaware (www.delautism.org/what_is_autism.htm)
Did you know:

One in 91 babies born today will develop some form of autism.

1.5 million Americans have autism today.

15 million Americans (parents, family, doctors, teachers…) are directly impacted by this disorder.

50 families today will find out that their child has autism.

1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum

67 children are diagnosed per day

A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade

Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism

There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Source:
Autism Link
ASA
AutismSpeaks