What is autism?

Autism is a complex biological disorder that generally lasts throughout a person’s life. It is called a developmental disability because it starts before age three, in the developmental period, and causes delays and problems with many different ways in which a person develops or grows.

 

Words that describe autism:

  • Puzzle
  • Enigma
  • Patterns
  • Spectrum
  • Life altering

 

What is a spectrum disorder?

Autism is considered to be a spectrum disorder because the characteristics range in severity and in type. They can be mild such as in the case of some children with Asperger’s Syndrome or quite severe.

 

Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Autism
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS)
  • Asperger’s Syndrome
  • Rett’s Syndrome
  • Childhood Degenerative Disorder

Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS)

  • Diagnosis used when there is a severe and pervasive impairment in the development of reciprocal social interactions or verbal/non-verbal communication skills.
  • May occur with stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities are present but do not meet the DSM-IV criteria.

 Asperger’s Syndrome

  • Children present classic autistic behaviors but later become verbal and can socialize
  • Lack of empathy
  • Inappropriate one-sided interaction
  • Intense absorption with items or routines
  • Cognitive, self-help and adaptive behaviors develop somewhat normally.

Rett’s Syndrome

  • Girls only
  • Head-growth decelerations
  • Loss of previously acquired behaviors
  • Hand-wringing
  • Eating jags
  • Severe-progressive dementia

 What autism is not!

  • Curable
  • Preventable
  • Life-threatening
  • Contagious
  • Caused by over-reactive parents
  • More common in one race
  • A disease

Contributed by Clarissa Willis, Ph.D.  Dr. Willis has worked for the past 20 years on behalf of children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. She is the author of five books including the award-winning titles Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Inclusive Literacy Lessons for Early Childhood. Her articles on child development and early childhood special education have been published both nationally and internationally. Formerly an Associate Professor of Special Education and the Associate Director of the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development at East Tennessee State University, she currently works as an early childhood consultant and frequent speaker at national and international conferences. Dr. Willis lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.