What is Autism?

Autism is typically identified in early childhood, although it can sometimes be diagnosed later. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly help individuals improve their abilities and lead fulfilling lives.

Different Types of Autism:

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a broad term that encompasses several conditions once considered separate, including:

  1. Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism): This is the most commonly recognized form of autism. Individuals with classic autism often experience significant communication challenges, social difficulties, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors.
  2. Asperger Syndrome: People with Asperger Syndrome often have mild autism symptoms and tend to have average or above-average intelligence. They may struggle with social interactions and exhibit intense interests in specific subjects but generally do not experience the same language delays seen in other types of autism.
  3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): This diagnosis was used for individuals who displayed some symptoms of autism but did not meet the full criteria for any of the specific autism subtypes. It is now part of the broader ASD category.
  4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): This rare condition involves a period of normal development followed by a significant loss of skills, particularly in language, motor, and social skills. It typically occurs after the age of 2, leading to developmental regression.
  5. Rett Syndrome: Although not part of the general autism spectrum, Rett Syndrome shares many similar features with autism. It primarily affects girls and involves a period of normal development followed by a loss of purposeful hand movements, speech, and motor skills.

Symptoms of Autism:

  1. Social Communication and Interaction Challenges:
    • Difficulty in understanding and responding to social cues (e.g., facial expressions, body language).
    • Limited eye contact or difficulty maintaining conversation.
    • Challenges in forming relationships or connecting with peers.
    • Lack of interest in social interactions or playing with others.
  1. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors:
    • Engaging in repetitive movements (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking).
    • Strong preference for routines or rituals, with distress if disrupted.
    • Intense focus on specific topics or interests.
    • Unusual reactions to sensory stimuli (e.g., extreme sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures).
  1. Sensory Sensitivities:
    • Over- sensitive
    • Under-sensitive to sensory: like light, sound, touch or smell.
  1. Language Delays:
    • Delays in speech development
    • Advanced vocabulary but struggle with social communication.

      Conventional vs. Functional

      Treatments for Autism