Understanding the Autism Spectrum

Autism is in the news everywhere these days. With more children being diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder than ever, parents are trying to learn as much as they can about autism. So what is an autism spectrum disorder? Contrary to popular belief, autism is not a disease. It's a range of developmental problems, including impaired communication and social skills and repetitive behavior.

Autism typically shows up within the first three years of life. Some children show symptoms of autism from the time they are born; others don't begin showing signs until they're between eighteen and thirty-six months.

There are many types of autism, with different symptoms and outcomes. Some autism spectrum disorders can be treated, especially with early intervention; others may never improve. Children with autism have difficulty communicating and understanding how others think and feel. They can be extremely sensitive to senses that other people find normal, such as smells and sights. Some children with autism seem not to notice people or objects around them. 

Although many people with autism are mentally retarded, those with autism generally show strength in a particular area of development. For example, they may have a strong drawing or music ability, or they may have an immense capacity for remembering facts.

Types of Autism
Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)
Also known as atypical autism, this is a category of autism used to refer to children who don't fit into another type of autism but have symptoms of autism.

The prognosis for children with PDD depends on how early intervention occurs and how much support the children receive. 

Autistic Disorder
Autistic disorder is characterized by problems socializing, communicating and playing creatively in younger children. When people think of autism, autistic disorder is generally what they imagine.

The prognosis for children with autistic disorder depends on their intelligence. Many of these children will be able to live in group homes or independent apartments.

Asperger's Syndrome
The most obvious symptom of Asperger's is a child's obsessive focus on one object or topic. An Asperger's child will want to learn everything he can about one topic and will not want to talk about anything else. Children with Asperger's have socialization skills similar to children with autistic disorder.  They tend to score very highly on IQ tests and don't have problems with language.

As with other types of autism it is best to intervene early. While social situations and relationships may always be difficult, many children with Asperger's Syndrome can grow to have successful lives and jobs.

Rett's Disorder
Rett's disorder occurs only in girls and can take longer to show symptoms other types of autism. Girls with Rett's disorder begin developing normally, then begin to lose their social and communication abilities. They begin using their hands to make repetitive motions between the ages of one and four years old.

Rett's disorder can affect a person's lifespan. Although many people with Rett's Syndrome live until their forties, there is a high risk of sudden, unexplained death. Those with Rett's Syndrome usually require long-term, intensive care.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
This is also known as Heller's syndrome, dementia infantilis and disintegrative psychosis.  Like Rett's disorder, children with childhood disintegrative disorder begin developing normally. Then, beginning at age two, they start losing their physical, communication and social abilities. Childhood disintegrative disorder is more common in boys than it is in girls.

People with childhood disintegrative disorder typically require long-term, intensive care. Their behaviors can be modified but the loss of their physical, communication and social abilities is permanent.