Autism is a complex developmental
disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is
the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of
the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and
communication skills.
Children and adults with autism
typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social
interactions and leisure or play activities.
One should keep in mind however,
that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently
and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning
the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized
intervention programs.
Autism falls under the umbrella of
Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders
characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of
development.”
The five disorders under PDD are:
• Autistic Disorder
• Asperger's Disorder
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
(CDD)
• Rett's Disorder
• PDD-Not Otherwise Specified
(PDD-NOS)
Each of these disorders has specific
diagnostic criteria which been outlined in the (Diagnostic & Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).
Autism is four times more prevalent
in boys than in girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family
income, lifestyle, and educational level do not affect the chance of autism’s
occurrence.
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