What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
by E. Amanda Boutot
Current statistics suggest that as many as 1 out of 150 people have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is an extraordinary number when you realize that as few as 15 years ago, it was said to be only 4 or 5 out of 10,000. The reason for this increase is unknown; however, more public awareness and efforts by various organizations to help with earlier and more accurate diagnosis may be contributing factors.
Typical characteristics
Characteristics of autism range from very mild to severe. Generally speaking, a child diagnosed with Asperger syndrome or pervasive diagnostic disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) will display milder symptoms than a child with a diagnosis of autism. No two children with an ASD are alike, however, regardless of the specific diagnosis, and there are a range of symptoms, any of which a child may have to various degrees. For example, a child may have a diagnosis of autism but show less severe symptoms than another child with the same diagnosis or a child with another ASD. Overgeneralized, stereotyped statements such as, “All children with ASD...” or even “Most children with ASD...” are inappropriate and send a false message about the nature of these disorders. While similar in terms of diagnostic criteria, various ASDs occur in very different ways for each person. The following is a list of some typical characteristics:
➡Delay or lack of speech (not so for Asperger syndrome);
➡Resistance to change or changes in routine;
➡Insistence on sameness;
➡Lack of eye contact;
➡Sensitivity to sensory sensations such as light, sound, touch, or certain textures;
➡Repetitive behaviours, known as “self-stimulatory behaviours,” such as rocking, hand-flapping, or spinning objects;
➡Lack of pretend play;
➡Inability to initiate or sustain a conversation;
➡Lack of imitation;
➡Aloofness;
➡Preference for being alone;
➡Echolalic speech, repeating what has been said;
➡Seeming not to hear others.
Although these are only a few of the possible characteristics that a person with an ASD may have, they may occur in varying degrees of severity, and an individual with one of these disorders may display them differently from another person.
Causes of ASDs
At this time, there are no known causes of ASDs. They are, however, generally regarded as neurological disorders that negatively affect development in at least one part of the brain. In other words, something in the brains of people with an ASD does not develop and work as it should. This could include neurotransmitters (neurons) or different regions of the brain. Whether this is due to a faulty gene, a chromosomal abnormality (such as Fragile X syndrome) or some other damage is not know at this time. Researchers are frantically searching for an exact cause of ASDs, and multiple causes may ultimately be found. While several theories as to specific causes (e.g. vitamin deficiencies, vaccines) have been studied, there seems to be no conclusive link between any one agent and ASDs. There may even be multiple causes for even one person with an ASD.
Is there a cure?
A primary goal in identifying the cause of ASDs is to identify a cure. Given that no known cause has been identified to this point, there is no known cure. Many treatments that may be effective in reducing or even eliminating symptoms have been proposed, but until the exact nature of the disorders is known, a cure is not possible.
Prognosis
Do not be discouraged by the lack of knowledge about the causes of ASDs or by the lack of a known cure. Many people with ASDs grow up to lead successful, contributing and independent lives as adults. Early and effective intervention is the key. In terms of a cure, think of an ASD as similar to the common cold: Although a cure has not been identified, treatment of the symptoms is possible.
Effective Treatment
Education and effective treatment can be called the “aspirin” for ASDs. Over the years, various educational treatments - some with much success and others with minimal success - have been identified. The most important goal of any educational program or treatment is to help the person with an ASD become more functionally independent. This may involve teaching him or her how to communicate with others, how to develop appropriate play, work or social skills, or how to modify behaviours. Parents should do their homework when considering a particular treatment option for their child and should also consider many options.
Summary
While much about ASDs remain a mystery, more information is coming in daily from researchers and professionals in the field. Parents need to know that they are not alone in dealing with an ASD. Parent support groups exist in almost every major community, and services for families are often available in rural areas as well. I encourage parents to contact one or more of these organizations to determine the types of local support, available programs, an other important information specific to their community or area. This article is an overview and thus is in no way exhaustive. A wealth of information is available through other resources, and families should educate themselves with as much information about ASDs as possible. You are the experts on your child; the more you know, the better you can help them learn and develop.