Facebook Pixel

Autism Spectrum Disorders

1 Comments

Autistic Disorder

Autistic disorder, or classic autism, is the most severe form of autism spectrum disorders or ASD. Impaired social interaction is the distinguishing feature of ASD. Autism is more prevalent in boys than girls. The signs of autism appear during the first 3 years of a child’s life. An autistic child displays odd repetitive motions, uses repetitive or unusual language, is unable to make friends with peers, is unable to initiate or sustain a conversation with others, has difficulty regulating emotions, and has an inflexible adherence to routine. The exact cause of autistic disorder is unknown. However, ongoing research has linked autism to variations in the gene, CNTNAP2. Prenatal exposure to the chemicals thalidomide and valpoic acid has been linked to a greater risk of a child being born with autism. For many children, the symptoms improve with treatment and age. Educational behavioral intervention can help autistic children develop social and language skills. Medications are prescribed to treat specific autism-related symptoms such as depression, seizures, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Photo: Getty Images

Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is considered a high functioning form of autism. The onset occurs, or at least is recognized, usually after the age of 3 and often between the ages of 5 and 9. Asperger syndrome or AS appears more often in boys than girls and does run in families. Characteristics of this disorder include poor social interaction, repetitive behavior, and a delay in motor skill development. Children with AS often have few facial expressions and have difficulty reading the body language of others. They may engage in obsessive routines and have an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as light, sounds and textures. Many individuals with AS have above average intelligence. There is no delay in their cognitive development, ability to take care of themselves, or curiosity about their environment. The exact cause of AS is unknown however, genetics and an abnormality in the brain are thought to be possible risk factors. Programs such as cognitive behavior or talk therapy, physical or occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and social skills training help children manage the symptoms of AS. Photo: Getty Images

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified

Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified or PDD-NOS shares some, but not all of the symptoms associated with classic autism. People with PDD-NOS usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder. They can have difficulty socializing with others, display repetitive behavior and experience heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli. Generally, children are diagnosed with PDD-NOS between the ages of 3 and 4 years old. Treatment for this disorder is often delayed because healthcare providers may not make the diagnosis until all of the other forms of ASD have been ruled out. A multi-pronged regimen is the most advisable treatment. This includes behavioral regimes like play therapy, the use of medications including anti-depressants, social skills training, and alternate therapies such as music therapy. Though adolescence and the transition to adulthood pose challenges and can be overwhelming for individuals with PPD-NOS, it is possible for those with the disorder to enjoy a full, yet complicated, life. Photo: Getty Images

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

The incidence of childhood disintegrative disorder or CDD is far less common than autistic disorder. Also known as Heller’s syndrome, CDD is a condition in which children develop normally until age 2 to 4, then exhibit a severe loss of previously acquired skills. Children with CDD will show a decline in the ability to speak and have a conversation, have difficulty interacting with others, lose interest in imaginary play, games and activities, and exhibit a decline in motor skills like walking, climbing and grasping objects. A child with CDD who was previously toilet-trained will often have frequent accidents because of a decline in bladder and bowel control. Like other ASD, the cause is unknown and there is no cure. Treatment options include behavioral therapy to help children learn or relearn language, social and self-care skills. Severe behavior problems such as aggression and repetitive behavior may sometimes be controlled by medication for anxiety, depression, or anti-psychotic drugs. Anti-convulsive medications may help control epileptic seizures. The outcome for children with childhood disintegrative disorder is usually worse than for children with autism. These children generally need lifelong support with the activities of daily living. Photo: Getty Images

Rett’s Syndrome

Rett’s syndrome is a rare and debilitating disorder that affects girls almost exclusively. Unlike other ASD, children with Rett’s syndrome develop normally, then, spontaneously regress. Onset and severity varies from child to child. In early infancy, a baby with Rett’s syndrome loses muscle tone, has difficulty feeding and displays jerking movements in her limbs. Loss of motor function is the most severely disabling feature of this disorder and interferes with every body movement. There are four stages used to describe Rett’s syndrome, beginning at 6 to 18 months for stage 1 and ending with stage 4 that can last for years and decade. Nearly all cases of Rett’s syndrome are attributed to mutation in the gene, MECP2. Although it is a genetic disorder, most cases of mutation occur randomly. Prenatal and genetic testing are available for families with an affected female who has an identified MECP2 mutation. Boys who have a MECP2 mutation frequently do not show clinical signs of Rett’s syndrome but experience severe problems at birth and die shortly after. There is no cure and treatment focuses on the management of symptoms. Medications are used to treat breathing irregularities, motor difficulties and seizures. Occupational therapy is an option to help children develop the skills to dress and feed themselves. Physical therapy helps prolong mobility. Special equipment such as braces, academic, social, vocational and support services may be required for some individuals. Because the disorder is rare, very little is known about long-term prognosis and life expectancy. Photo: Getty Images

Add a Comment1 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

The majority of the children can be selfish but autistic children might seem rude, mean and inconsiderate with other kids around them. They do not share toys with other kids in short they are very selfish. Mostly they prefer to play with the same toys and the same manner of play they used to.
Autism spectrum disorder

April 4, 2011 - 12:56am
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment