About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Though the term autism is commonly used, the wide range of symptoms among individuals with autism has led to the term Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorder describes complex disorders of brain and behavioral development and includes the following diagnoses:
1) Autism
2) Asperger’s syndrome
3) Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
ASD is very common, affecting 1 in every 68 children in the United States Early diagnosis is important because early treatment can improve an individual’s life, language, and social skills.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects three aspects of an individual’s development:
1. Social Interaction
2. Communication
3. Behaviors and interests
Some people diagnosed with ASD develop normally and then gradually lose social or language skills. ASD can be detected by a loss of language or unusual behaviors - such as spending hours rearranging toys in a line. It is important to note that no two people with ASD have exactly the same symptoms and characteristics.
Asperger’s syndrome is the mildest form of autism and affects three times as many boys as girls. People with Asperger’s syndrome are known to have obsessive compulsions and interests. They often learn all about a single subject and discuss it continuously. People diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome have impaired social skills. However, individuals with Asperger’s syndrome frequently have normal to above average intelligence levels. Consequently, some doctors refer to Asperger’s syndrome as “high-functioning autism.”
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS) applies to individuals whose diagnosis is more severe than Asperger’s syndrome, but not as severe as autistic disorder. People with PDD-NOS have impaired social skills, fewer repetitive behaviors, and a later age of onset. There is no clear, defined criteria for diagnosing PDD-NOS.
Autistic Disorder applies to individuals who have a more rigid diagnosis of autism. These individuals have more severe social impairments and repetitive behaviors. In addition, people with autistic disorder have delays in mental development as well as seizures.
How common is ASD?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 68 American children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. However, it is important to note that as research and medicine are improved, it is easier to diagnose more people with ASD. In addition, studies show that autism is more common among boys than girls.
What Causes Autism?
There is no one specific cause. Scientists have linked rare gene changes, known as mutations, to autism. More than 100 gene mutations increase the risk of inheriting autism. Most cases of autism are a result of a combination of autism-risk genes and environmental factors that influence early brain development.
Environmental, nongenetic stresses increase the likelihood of inheriting autism. These factors include the parental age at time of conception, maternal illness during pregnancy, birth difficulties, and oxygen deprivation to the brain. These stresses, in addition to genetic risk factors, contribute to the cause of autism.
Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
This has been a debate over the past two decades. After extensive research, the answer is clear: No. Vaccines do not cause autism.
What does “On the Spectrum” mean?
People who are “on the spectrum” have symptoms and characteristics of individuals diagnosed with ASD. However, every person with autism is unique. It is important to note that many people with ASD have exceptional talents and intellectual functioning.
How can I tell if my brother or sister has ASD, and what should I do?
Autism cannot be accurately diagnosed until 18-24 months of age. However, you can look for symptoms such as a lack of communication, smiles, or other facial expressions by 9 months of age and no babbling or gestures by 12 months of age.
If you suspect that your sibling is at risk of having autism, talk to you parents or guardians and schedule an appointment to see a doctor. The earlier the treatment, the better. Early diagnosis increases the chance for improvements in development and behavior.
What is the Life Expectancy of Individuals Diagnosed with ASD?
Though ASD does not directly affect life expectancy, research has shown that individuals with ASD have a shorter life span due to an increased risk for drowning and related accidents.
Is there a cure for ASD?
Currently there is no cure for ASD, but early intervention and treatment can result in drastic improvements in development and behavior.
Will my brother or sister with ASD walk, talk, attend school, etc.?
Though symptoms differ, most individuals with ASD are able to walk, talk, and attend school. In fact, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, children have the right to attend school and receive education. Many individuals with ASD have jobs, too!
Where can I find help for my brother or sister with ASD?
Some examples of associations that assist individuals affected by Autism, Asperger syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are:
Autism:
The Autism Society of America
Autism Speaks
The Autism Society of Ohio, The Autism Society of North Carolina
(there are associations in essentially every state in the US)
National Autistic Society (UK)
Autism Society Canada
Autism Association (Singapore)
Asperger syndrome:
US Autism and Asperger Association
National Autistic Society (UK) – includes support for Asperger syndrome
Aspire: Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland
To view the Education and Awareness page, click here
To visit the Story Column, click here
Citations:
ASD: www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-spectrum-disorders
Autism: www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
Image from:www.peteking.house.gov/issues/autism
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
Though the term autism is commonly used, the wide range of symptoms among individuals with autism has led to the term Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorder describes complex disorders of brain and behavioral development and includes the following diagnoses:
1) Autism
2) Asperger’s syndrome
3) Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
ASD is very common, affecting 1 in every 68 children in the United States Early diagnosis is important because early treatment can improve an individual’s life, language, and social skills.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects three aspects of an individual’s development:
1. Social Interaction
2. Communication
3. Behaviors and interests
Some people diagnosed with ASD develop normally and then gradually lose social or language skills. ASD can be detected by a loss of language or unusual behaviors - such as spending hours rearranging toys in a line. It is important to note that no two people with ASD have exactly the same symptoms and characteristics.
Asperger’s syndrome is the mildest form of autism and affects three times as many boys as girls. People with Asperger’s syndrome are known to have obsessive compulsions and interests. They often learn all about a single subject and discuss it continuously. People diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome have impaired social skills. However, individuals with Asperger’s syndrome frequently have normal to above average intelligence levels. Consequently, some doctors refer to Asperger’s syndrome as “high-functioning autism.”
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS) applies to individuals whose diagnosis is more severe than Asperger’s syndrome, but not as severe as autistic disorder. People with PDD-NOS have impaired social skills, fewer repetitive behaviors, and a later age of onset. There is no clear, defined criteria for diagnosing PDD-NOS.
Autistic Disorder applies to individuals who have a more rigid diagnosis of autism. These individuals have more severe social impairments and repetitive behaviors. In addition, people with autistic disorder have delays in mental development as well as seizures.
How common is ASD?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 68 American children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. However, it is important to note that as research and medicine are improved, it is easier to diagnose more people with ASD. In addition, studies show that autism is more common among boys than girls.
What Causes Autism?
There is no one specific cause. Scientists have linked rare gene changes, known as mutations, to autism. More than 100 gene mutations increase the risk of inheriting autism. Most cases of autism are a result of a combination of autism-risk genes and environmental factors that influence early brain development.
Environmental, nongenetic stresses increase the likelihood of inheriting autism. These factors include the parental age at time of conception, maternal illness during pregnancy, birth difficulties, and oxygen deprivation to the brain. These stresses, in addition to genetic risk factors, contribute to the cause of autism.
Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
This has been a debate over the past two decades. After extensive research, the answer is clear: No. Vaccines do not cause autism.
What does “On the Spectrum” mean?
People who are “on the spectrum” have symptoms and characteristics of individuals diagnosed with ASD. However, every person with autism is unique. It is important to note that many people with ASD have exceptional talents and intellectual functioning.
How can I tell if my brother or sister has ASD, and what should I do?
Autism cannot be accurately diagnosed until 18-24 months of age. However, you can look for symptoms such as a lack of communication, smiles, or other facial expressions by 9 months of age and no babbling or gestures by 12 months of age.
If you suspect that your sibling is at risk of having autism, talk to you parents or guardians and schedule an appointment to see a doctor. The earlier the treatment, the better. Early diagnosis increases the chance for improvements in development and behavior.
What is the Life Expectancy of Individuals Diagnosed with ASD?
Though ASD does not directly affect life expectancy, research has shown that individuals with ASD have a shorter life span due to an increased risk for drowning and related accidents.
Is there a cure for ASD?
Currently there is no cure for ASD, but early intervention and treatment can result in drastic improvements in development and behavior.
Will my brother or sister with ASD walk, talk, attend school, etc.?
Though symptoms differ, most individuals with ASD are able to walk, talk, and attend school. In fact, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, children have the right to attend school and receive education. Many individuals with ASD have jobs, too!
Where can I find help for my brother or sister with ASD?
Some examples of associations that assist individuals affected by Autism, Asperger syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are:
Autism:
The Autism Society of America
Autism Speaks
The Autism Society of Ohio, The Autism Society of North Carolina
(there are associations in essentially every state in the US)
National Autistic Society (UK)
Autism Society Canada
Autism Association (Singapore)
Asperger syndrome:
US Autism and Asperger Association
National Autistic Society (UK) – includes support for Asperger syndrome
Aspire: Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland
To view the Education and Awareness page, click here
To visit the Story Column, click here
Citations:
ASD: www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-spectrum-disorders
Autism: www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
Image from:www.peteking.house.gov/issues/autism
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
