Autism has been defined as a brain development disorder that restricts an individual's ability to interact and communicate with others in a normal manner. And while this definition helps to give us an idea of the problems and symptoms involved, it is an extraordinarily complex issue and cannot be readily understood with just a few simple words.
Another aspect of an autistic individual is behavior that could be described as a pattern of repetitive, stereotypic activities. Which is to say - motor behavior that is seemingly driven, non-functional and repetitive. It does not fit into normal activities and can at times cause self-injury.
In examining the subject of autism, it is important to understand that it is just one part of a spectrum of conditions that is represented by the term 'Pervasive Developmental Disorders' or PDD. Some of these disorders include: Asperger's Disorder, Retts' Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. These disorders may share certain clinical features but differ widely in their symptoms and behaviors. As well, amongst patients diagnosed with autism - there can be a range of different patterns.
However, the three general aspects of an impairment in the ability to interact and communicate with others, and the pattern of repetitive, stereotypic behavior are the major indicators of autism. Because these problems manifest themselves generally at a very young age - usually before the age of three - they interfere with the natural growth of basic skills. Thus they are termed "developmental disorders". To varying degrees each child will be faced with obstacles to overcome. It is accepted that this challenge will remain throughout their whole adult lives.
Other characteristics that can indicate an autistic condition but are not necessarily present in each case are: overly impulsive behavior, a short attention span, odd responses to sensory input, odd fears and anxieties, unexplained abnormalities in eating, drinking or sleeping, and unusual skill development or the presence of unusual abilities.
Though awareness of this disorder is growing rapidly, the exact cause and nature of it is still the subject of many ongoing studies and research. This awareness has also brought to light that while it was once thought to be a rarity, autism, and related, similar conditions are actually much more prevalent. In fact, some studies seem to indicate that the rate of occurrence is growing. However, this may in part be due to the fact that the medical community is better able to diagnose the disorder and that there is a greater spectrum of associated similar conditions. Estimates have been made that range between 1 person in every 500 to 1 in every 1,000. It is not partial to any particular ethnic, social or racial group but it is found to affect boys three to four times more often than girls.
Labels: Personality Development, Self-Improvement
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