Autism is a term that refers to developmental disorders that can impair language, communication, and social interaction.<\/span><\/p>\n These conditions are classed as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Signs of autism typically manifest in early childhood, in the 2 to 3 year age range.<\/span><\/p>\n Autism can hinder development in various ways depending on the disorder. Some types of autism are severely debilitating, whereas others are milder. (<\/span>1<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Autistic disorders are measured across a spectrum due to the many different ways they can manifest.<\/span><\/p>\n Each autistic individual has a unique set of capabilities. Similarly, the challenges and issues autism causes can differ from person to person.<\/span><\/p>\n Some autistic people may have a good command of language. Others (an estimated one third) remain nonverbal, meaning they do not speak. (<\/span>2<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n A person with autism may have one or more learning disabilities. Or, they could be of average or above average intelligence yet find certain tasks difficult. (<\/span>3<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Symptoms of autism can include some or all of the following: (<\/span>4<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Language Impairment<\/b><\/p>\n Autism often causes impaired language development. Young children do not reach typical milestones for speaking, or they lose language ability as they grow older.<\/span><\/p>\n When it develops, speech may include several words or phrases that are repeated. However, some individuals may have huge vocabularies, but cannot sustain a conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n Body language and facial expressions can also be affected. An autistic person\u2019s tone of voice or movements may not reflect what he or she is saying.<\/span><\/p>\n Social Difficulties<\/b><\/p>\n Autistic people can have trouble understanding social cues. This can make social interaction uncomfortable and difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n Sarcasm and abstract concepts may not be obvious to a person with autism.<\/span><\/p>\n Outbursts<\/b><\/p>\n Frustration or distress in certain situations can result in a loss of emotional control. This can cause behavior such as crying or screaming during inappropriate situations.<\/span><\/p>\n Loss of control can also manifest as disruptive or aggressive behaviors. These may include physical aggression or self-injuring behavior, such as hair pulling.<\/span><\/p>\n Repetition<\/b><\/p>\n A core indicator of autism is repetitive behavior. This usually encompasses highly restricted interests and activities.<\/span><\/p>\n An autistic person may repeat the same sounds or wiggle their fingers repeatedly. <\/span><\/p>\n Instead of playing with toy trucks, the person may just line them up in a certain way for\u00a0hours.<\/span><\/p>\n Interests also tend to be highly focused. The individual may have extensive knowledge about their preferred subject, such as computers. <\/span><\/p>\n These fascinations can also transpire into what could be only described as somewhat unusual, like ceiling fans or toilets for example.<\/span><\/p>\n Those with autism usually prefer a set routine. Changes to their environments or daily activities can be extremely stressful for them.<\/span><\/p>\n Sensory Issues<\/b><\/p>\n Autism can change how a person senses and experiences things. Certain smells, sounds and other stimuli can be traumatic or even painful.<\/span><\/p>\n Some autistic individuals can be over sensitive or under sensitive. For example, physical contact can distress or cause pain in a sensitive person.<\/span><\/p>\n Those who are under sensitive may not respond to sounds or touch. The person may not react when their name is called or when they are spoken to.<\/span><\/p>\n Autistic disorders are classified according to levels. Each level rates how severely autism affects communication and behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n These levels are related to the diagnostic criteria for autism set by the American Psychiatric Association.<\/span><\/p>\n These criteria are described in a letter scale of \u201cA\u201d to \u201cE\u201d, detailing key signs of the disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cA\u201d describes different degrees of impairment in social interaction. This includes nonverbal and verbal communication and relationships with others.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cB\u201d details types of repetitive behavior and how these impair social communication. Examples include inflexible routines or ritualized behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n For both \u201cA\u201d and \u201cB\u201d, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The autistic person may be able to function somewhat well or hardly at all.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cC\u201d is the requirement that these symptoms are identified in early childhood. \u201cD\u201d relates to symptoms which impair function at work, in social environments, or in daily activities.<\/span><\/p>\n Finally, \u201cE\u201d is the criteria to describe symptoms which are not the result of a known intellectual disability. (<\/span>5<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n The levels of autism are as follows: (<\/span>6<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Level 1<\/b><\/p>\n An autistic person at this stage requires some support. They may have difficulty interacting socially without help.<\/span><\/p>\n Although they have a fair command of language, attempts at conversation may fail. Making new friends might be attempted in odd, unsuccessful ways.<\/span><\/p>\n Inflexible behavior can make it hard to plan or change routines. This can interfere with daily functioning.<\/span><\/p>\n Level 2<\/b><\/p>\n Autism is characterized by moderate social impairment. Even with support, the\u00a0<\/span>person might refuse social interaction or respond unusually to others.<\/p>\n Restricted and repetitive behaviors are clearly noticeable. Changing focus, like switching an activity suddenly, can cause distress.<\/span><\/p>\n The individual is likely to communicate in short, simple sentences. Interaction with others is usually confined to his or her field of specialized interests.<\/span><\/p>\n The autistic disorder can make it hard to function in multiple contexts. Inflexible behavior at this level is more intense, as is trouble dealing with change.<\/span><\/p>\n Level 3<\/b><\/p>\n An autistic person at this rank needs significant support. Both verbal and nonverbal communications are severely impaired.<\/span><\/p>\n The person may not speak at all or very little. He or she will rarely approach others to interact socially, only to meet immediate needs.<\/span><\/p>\n Changing routine or focus can cause extreme distress due to highly repetitive and inflexible behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n This level of autism can cause substantial difficulty functioning in most areas. These range from communication with others to planning.<\/span><\/p>\n Autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood. Parents or doctors may notice the child is not meeting developmental milestones, such as talking.<\/span><\/p>\n There is no set method to diagnose adults suspected of being autistic. Your doctor may refer you to a child psychiatrist familiar with autism.<\/span><\/p>\n You, your parents and other relatives may be asked to describe your childhood. This can include interactions with others, communication, and general development.<\/span><\/p>\n This information is then compared to the American Psychiatric Association\u2019s diagnostic criteria.<\/span><\/p>\n The medical professional interviewing you may also observe your behavior and mannerisms. (<\/span>7<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n The treatments for autism aim to reduce undesirable behaviors and improve functioning. They can be applied to both children and adults:<\/span><\/p>\n Verbal Therapy<\/b><\/p>\n Verbal therapy helps promote spoken communication in people with autism. Essentially, this therapy teaches autistic individuals to use words to get desired results or objects.<\/span><\/p>\n The therapist begins with associating saying a word out loud with a reciprocal action. For example, saying \u201ccandy\u201d will get the autistic individual a piece of candy.<\/span><\/p>\n At the beginning, the patient may only be able to point at the candy. Any attempt at communication is encouraged.<\/span><\/p>\n The therapy progresses to learning how to respond to and make requests independently. (<\/span>8<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Behavioral Therapy<\/b><\/p>\n Behavioral therapy usually includes two approaches. These consist of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and applied behavior analysis (ABA).<\/span><\/p>\n ABA encourages autistic patients to reduce disruptive behaviors. Positive behaviors are rewarded and positively reinforced. (<\/span>9<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Similarly, CBT works to change how the patient perceives situations over time. The autistic individual learns to understand and manage feelings such as anxiety or anger.<\/span>(10<\/a>)<\/p>\n Occupational Therapy<\/b><\/p>\n Occupational therapy involves helping a patient with autism overcome personal challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n It addresses developing skills in interaction, organization, self-care and other important areas.<\/span><\/p>\n The occupational therapist will determine the individual\u2019s strengths and weaknesses. A program is tailored to help the person improve function. This is done through exercises and coping strategies. (<\/span>11<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n What is autism? <\/b>Autism consists of a range of developmental disorders that affect communication, language, and socialization skills.<\/span><\/p>\n What are the signs of autism? <\/b>Signs of autism can include difficulty with language, social interaction, and communication. A person may exhibit repetitive behaviors or have issues with sensory input. Depending on the disorder, these symptoms can be mild to severe.<\/span><\/p>\n How do you develop autism? <\/b>The exact cause of autism is still not fully understood. However, genetics play a role in a child\u2019s risk of an autism spectrum disorder. (<\/span>12<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n How are you diagnosed for autism? <\/b>Most diagnostic strategies are tailored to young children reaching developmental milestones. As an adult, you can consult with your doctor and get a referral to a psychiatrist or pediatric (child) neurologist. You will likely be asked questions about your childhood development.<\/span><\/p>\n What is the best treatment for autism? <\/b>The treatment for autism depends on the individual case. Treatments can include: verbal therapy, behavioral therapy, and occupational therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n What are the long term complications of autism? <\/b>Autism can make it difficult for a person to communicate and interact with others. Depending on the severity of the disorder, an autistic person may require a full time caregiver.<\/span><\/p>\n Is autism considered a disability? <\/b>Yes, children ages 3-18 that demonstrate severe developmental impairment in social interaction, language and communication are eligible for disability. For adults, a doctor must provide evidence that autism makes it difficult to function in a work environment. (<\/span>13<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Is there any cure for autism? <\/b>There is no cure for autism. However, there are various treatments to help autistic people manage their disorder. (<\/span>14<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Is autism life threatening? <\/b>No, autism is not life threatening in itself. However, some autistic individuals can be unaware of dangers (i.e. traffic) and can accidentally hurt themselves. (<\/span>15<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Every case of autism is different, as is every person with the disorder. However, the age at which autism is diagnosed can affect a person\u2019s long term prognosis.<\/span><\/p>\n The earlier the disorder is managed and treated, the better the individual\u2019s chances at improving function.<\/span><\/p>\nSymptoms<\/b><\/h2>\n
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