Autism disorders vary widely, affect millions
Early treatment offers brighter future and better life
Chances are, you know someone with some form of autism — whether you know it or not. That’s why we all need to know something about this condition: What it is, and what it’s not.
In years past, the word “autistic” suggested severe impairment — mental, social and behavioral. As we’ve learned more about it, the stigma has begun to fade. We now know that people with autism are as varied in ability, intelligence and behavior as any other large group of people. And with the right teaching methods and treatment, people with autism are showing and telling us so.
For people with autism to reach their full potential, it’s important to identify its signs at an early age. That’s the only way children with autism can get the kind of help and teaching they need.
By learning more about autism, we can all help increase the chances that kids with autism will get that help. And we’ll also be more likely to accept people with autism as the individuals they are — with unique talents and plenty to offer the rest of us.
What is autism?
What are the symptoms?
Who’s at risk?
How are autism spectrum disorders treated?
To find out more…
That question isn’t easy to answer. For one thing, it’s not just one narrowly defined disorder. Autism spectrum disorders — also known as pervasive development disorders — include several somewhat related conditions.
The autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurological (nerve-related) disorders that affect how the brain works. They can affect how a person communicates, behaves and interacts with other people. These disorders can be mild or severe.
Classic autism is the most common and usually the most severe. But not everyone with classic autism is severely impaired. Many people with classic autism lead full, productive lives.
The other ASDs include Asberger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Though related, each disorder has its own set of common symptoms.
Parents are usually the first ones to notice that something seems different with their child. For instance, if a baby who was babbling and making eye contact suddenly stops and becomes withdrawn, something is wrong. But the change isn’t always sudden and doesn’t always follow the same pattern. According to the National Institutes for Health, a child may have an autism spectrum disorder if he or she shows some of these signs:
- Does not babble, point or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age.
- Does not speak one word by 16 months.
- Does not combine two words by 2 years.
- Does not respond to name.
- Appears to be unaware when people are addressing him/her but responds to other sounds.
- Avoids eye contact.
- Does not smile.
- Wants to be alone a lot of the time.
- Does not seem to know how to play with toys.
- Spends a lot of time lining up toys or other objects.
- Does not point at objects to show interest.
- Does not look at objects when another person points at them.
- Has unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel or sound.
Overall, boys are more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder than girls. Also, children with a family history of autism have a somewhat higher risk than other children do. While there may be other risk factors, the true cause of autism spectrum disorders is likely genetic. Research going on now may help identify the genes involved and better identify children who are at high risk.
Most important: autism spectrum disorders can affect any child and any family. Race, income, educational level and social class offer no protection against autism.
How are autism spectrum disorders treated?
Currently, no complete “cure” for any form of autism has been found. But with the right treatment and support, people with autism spectrum disorders are living happy and productive lives.
Every person and every family is different, so is there is no single “correct” way to treat autism. However, most experts agree that it’s important to start early. Parents of a child with autism may need to work with more than one health care provider to find the best treatments and programs.
Some people with autism do better with one or more types of medication. Others do not respond to medication or even get worse. It’s important to use care, because people with autism — especially children — can be very sensitive to medication. It may take time to find the best one and the right dosage.
Most children with autism do better in structured programs designed especially for their specific disorder and abilities. Because these children learn differently, they need to be taught differently and need more individual attention.
Families of children with autism need to learn as much as they can about autism and the programs and resources available. A doctor or other health care provider should be able to help, and may need to refer you to other specialists.
It may take time to find the best programs and treatments. And the child may not respond right away. Please don’t give up. Every child deserves the best start and the best chance at life that we can give them. Few things are as important.
National Institute of Mental Health (ASD section)
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (ASD research)