What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of related developmental disabilities, caused by a problem with the brain, that affect a child's behavior, social, and communication skills. ASDs include autistic disorder, "pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified" (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently released data which shows an average of 1 in every 110 children in certain parts of the United States has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  
Usually noticeable before the age of 3, clues to the diagnosis of autism appear long before that time.  Early clues may include developmental delays and unusual behaviors or social interactions. Because there is a broad range of disorders, some children with the diagnosis of ASD have very subtle symptoms whereas others have very severe problems.

The key point: Though there is no known cure for autism, children who receive early diagnosis and interventions tend to improve gradually throughout their childhood and adolescence.  To empower parents with information on what is normal child development and what isn’t, the CDC launched a campaign called “Learn the Signs.  Act Early.”  Children who get help before age three have the best chance of overcoming developmental challenges.  You can access this information at the CDC webpage.
Be sure to check with your pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s speech or language development, behavior, social, and/or communication skills.  Your pediatrician will provide you with critical information about ASDs and answers to parents' most common questions.

Autism is a brain function disorder resulting in impaired social interaction, difficulty with communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. These symptoms start before a child is three years old and affect four boys for every girl. It can be very severe, or present in milder forms of what is called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), such as Asperger Syndrome.

Autism can have many triggers and causes, and also has a genetic component. Current research suggests that it is related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia as well as hyperactivity, sharing in the causes and underlying biochemical changes. The age that the trigger occurs, whether the person is male or female, genetics, and likely other unknown triggers can cause it to reflect anywhere along the CFS/ADHD/ASD spectrum. In addition, just as there are many ways to blow a fuse, there are many possible triggers that can, given the proper genetics, result in autism.

Autism is a lifelong neurological disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate, understand language, play and socially interact with others. The first signs of autism usually appear as developmental delays before age three.

Autism is classified as a developmental disability because it interferes with the typical rate and patterns of childhood development. There are diagnoses closely related to autism such as PDD-NOS (pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified), Asperger’s syndrome, and Rett’s syndrome that are included in the category of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Source: Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)

Autism is a unique way of being and a natural variation on the human experience. Those with autism are often inherently gentle and exquisitely sensitive. They may perceive the world through a multifaceted, multi-sensory prism more interesting and complicated than those considered typical. Physiologically, autism is a common neurological miscommunication between brain and body that results in vocal and physical blips, misfires, and disconnects. This does NOT affect one's intelligence any more than it does someone recovering from stroke or compromised by cerebral palsy. You've experienced autistic-like symptoms if you've ever awakened in the middle of the night to the realization that your arm is "asleep" and your brain cannot will your deadened limb to budge. What if the same nighttime paralysis arbitrarily shifted to any of your body parts or lodged in your voice box and precluded you from talking? People with autism describe a similar challenge to assimilate with a physical body that feels like cement, causing speech and motoric limitations.  

Watch as licensed psychologist and autism specialist Dr. Ronald Leaf explains the definition of autism.

 

Autism is a neural developmental disorder that affects the brain's development and causes impairment of social interaction. It usually presents in the first 3 years of life. While many theories are out there about what causes autism, no single cause has been identified. For more information, please visit www.autism-society.org.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting people to varying degrees. Symptoms include impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines and restricted interests.

From Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

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Autism is a brain disorder that is associated with a wide range of developmental problems, especially in communication and social interaction. According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism is classified as a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These disorders are characterized by problems with communication, social interaction, as well as unusual, repetitive behaviors. Some professionals use a broader term, called pervasive development disorder (PDD), to describe autism. In addition to autism, there are four other disorders that qualify as PDDs: Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Rett syndrome. The cause of autism remains unknown.

Although most children are not diagnosed with autism until they are around preschool age, the first signs of autism generally appear between 12 and 18 months of age. The severity of symptoms varies among patients. Some patients are able to live independently once they become adults, while others may need lifelong support.

A minority of autistic patients may also be considered savants. These patients are autistic but express extraordinary mental abilities in a very specific area. Autistic savants often have exceptional skills with numbers, art, or music. Not all savants are autistic. However, the number of autistic savants far exceeds the number of non-autistic savants.

For unknown reasons, boys are three to four times more likely to develop autism than girls.

In the 1940s, when autism was first described, most autistic patients were institutionalized. Today, however, most autistic patients are able to live with their families. Although there is currently no cure for autism, treatments and therapies have been shown to help autistic patients live healthy, relatively normal lives. Regardless of how severe the patient's symptoms are, appropriate treatment and education can help autistic patients become integrated into their communities.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Autism is a complex developmental disorder with a spectrum of symptoms that range from mild to severe. It is more common in boys and although signs can be found as early as infancy, it is typically noticed between 18 months and 3 years of age. Your pediatrician should screen for autism at
the 18- and 24-month checkups, as well as survey your child’s development at every well-child visit. It is also important to note that there are other developmental issues that may cause symptoms similar to autism. As always, talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s  development.

Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others. With autism, the different areas of the brain fail to work together. Most people with autism will always have some trouble relating to others, but early treatment can help.