AES - An Overview of Autism

An Overview of Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder for which there is no cure. However it has been proven that with a well implemented program and a great deal of hard work, it is possible to bring about the necessary changes in how a child with autism learns and retains learned skills. Autism is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and presently 1:150 individuals are diagnosed with autism. This pervasive disorder is not selective, in that it occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs ability to communicate and relate to others and is coupled with rigid routines and repetitive behaviours. The symptoms and characteristics can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from very mild to severe. The following are some examples of traits that children with autism may exhibit: resistance to change, difficulty in expressing needs, repeating words or phrases - known as echolalia, laughing or crying for reasons not apparent to others, aloofness, difficulty mixing with others, not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled, little or no regular eye contact, unresponsive to normal teaching methods, sustained odd play, spinning or lining up of objects, apparent over or under sensitivity to pain, light or noise, uneven gross/fine motor skills and unresponsive to verbal cues.

Although autism spectrum disorders can generally be diagnosed by the age of three, more recent research is allowing for a much earlier diagnosis. It is during this time period (around eighteen months and upwards) that parents and other family members begin to notice curious behaviours in their child and / or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents, especially those with older siblings, see the difference in their child almost from birth, but often dismiss it because they know, and are often told, that children develop at different rates. More perplexing, are the group of children whom parents express as developing normally and then lose those previously acquired skills, including early first words and listening skills. Parents will often seek medical advice thinking their child may be deaf, but when this is not proven parents are often confused as to how to proceed. It is vital that parents seek immediate assistance from a general practioner or pediatrician if they are in anyway concerned with any aspect concerning a child’s development. The earlier a child is screened and diagnosed for autism the faster intervention can be sought.

It is critical to begin intervention as early as possible to gain the maximum benefit from existing therapies. Although parents may have concerns about the label of autism, the earlier the diagnosis is made, the earlier interventions can and should begin. Currently there is no known way to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments and as previously stated, no cure. Research indicates however, that the earlier intervention is initiated the more significant the improvements will be for many young children with autism spectrum disorder. The most effective programs for treating ASD will focus on developing communication, social, and cognitive skills.



			An Overview of Autism Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder for which there is no cure. However it has been proven that with a well implemented program and a great deal of hard work, it is possible to bring about the necessary changes in how a child with autism learns and retains learned skills. Autism is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and presently 1:150 individuals are diagnosed with autism. This pervasive disorder is not selective, in that it occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs ability to communicate and relate to others and is coupled with rigid routines and repetitive behaviours. The symptoms and characteristics can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from very mild to severe. The following are some examples of traits that children with autism may exhibit: resistance to change, difficulty in expressing needs, repeating words or phrases - known as echolalia, laughing or crying for reasons not apparent to others, aloofness, difficulty mixing with others, not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled, little or no regular eye contact, unresponsive to normal teaching methods, sustained odd play, spinning or lining up of objects, apparent over or under sensitivity to pain, light or noise, uneven gross/fine motor skills and unresponsive to verbal cues. Although autism spectrum disorders can generally be diagnosed by the age of three, more recent research is allowing for a much earlier diagnosis. It is during this time period (around eighteen months and upwards) that parents and other family members begin to notice curious behaviours in their child and / or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents, especially those with older siblings, see the difference in their child almost from birth, but often dismiss it because they know, and are often told, that children develop at different rates. More perplexing, are the group of children whom parents express as developing normally and then lose those previously acquired skills, including early first words and listening skills. Parents will often seek medical advice thinking their child may be deaf, but when this is not proven parents are often confused as to how to proceed. It is vital that parents seek immediate assistance from a general practioner or pediatrician if they are in anyway concerned with any aspect concerning a child’s development. The earlier a child is screened and diagnosed for autism the faster intervention can be sought. It is critical to begin intervention as early as possible to gain the maximum benefit from existing therapies. Although parents may have concerns about the label of autism, the earlier the diagnosis is made, the earlier interventions can and should begin. Currently there is no known way to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments and as previously stated, no cure. Research indicates however, that the earlier intervention is initiated the more significant the improvements will be for many young children with autism spectrum disorder. The most effective programs for treating ASD will focus on developing communication, social, and cognitive skills.