Autism and related disabilities are severely handicapping, neurological disorders which begin at birth or by age 3 and affect multiple areas of development. They are developmental disabilities that typically involve delays and impairment in social skills, language, and behavior. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects people differently. No two children with autism or a related disability are alike. Unfortunately, since the early 1990's, the rate of autism and related disabilities has increased enormously throughout the world.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) describes autism and related disorders by the presence of social impairment; impairments in communication; and presence of restricted/repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities with delay or abnormal functioning onset before age 3. Additionally, the disturbance is not better accounted for by other disabilities such as Rett Syndrome or Child Disintegrative Disorder.
The Autism Society of America (ASA) gives the following definition:
Autism interferes with the normal development of the brain in the areas of reasoning, social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have deficiencies in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. They may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resist any changes in routines. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.
Currently, there is no known cause of autism and related disorders. Numerous research studies are currently being conducted to determine the cause(s). This research focuses on genetics, prenatal hormones, environmental toxins, physical characteristics of the brain, and biochemical processes of the brain.
Until we know what causes autism and related disabilities, we must focus our efforts on providing effective, research-based interventions for children faced with these disorders.
