Frequently Asked Questions About Autism


	Frequently Asked Questions What Is Autism / PDD ? Autism is a developmental disability characterised by impairments in social interaction, in verbal and non-verbal communication and a pattern of repetitive, stereotypic activities. Autism represents one end of a spectrum of conditions called "Pervasive Developmental Disorders" (PDD) that share these clinical features but differ in natural history, number of symptoms, or patterns of behaviours. Autism represents the most extreme form of PDD and occurs in between 4 - 10 / 10 000 children with about four affected boys to every affected girl. The overall prevalence of PDD may be as much as 1 in 300 children. What Characterizes An Austic Individual? Communication? Among the autistic there is an immense diversity of communicative abilities, ranging from completely nonverbal to capably fluent. Within this continuum, many autistic individuals have difficulties in verbal machinery such as alterations of pitch and tone. Further markers include repetition, echolalia and the deliberation and expression of information. Social Interaction? Perhaps one of the more renowned indicators of autism, lack of eye contact is often characterised throughout the autistic spectrum. Along with this, there also tends to be an inability for the individuals to accurately express themselves through nonverbal gestures, this includes near and far pointing and general imagitive expression. In addition to this, notable and striking repetitive behaviour is also present. What Causes Autism / PDD? Although the cause of autism is not fully understood, there is a complex genetic component interacting with environmental factors. Researchers throughout the world are looking to identify these factors and explain why autism arises as a spectrum of disorders. Outside of this, explanations such as bad parenting and misbehaviour have now been dismissed. How Is Autism / PDD Diagnosed ? Although there is no absolute test available for an autism diagnosis, through observation of specific criteria a consensus diagnosis can be. This diagnosis may include contributions from psychiatrists, pediatricians, speech pathologists, neurologists and other consulting authorities. [For more on diagnositc criteria ...] What Methods Are Currently Used To Treat PDD? Behavioural Therapies? Although there is no substantiated cure for autism, viable treatments have been developed to lead autistic individuals in a positive developmental direction. Predominant among these techniques are behavioural therapies which emphasis building sound social skills in children through Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI). IBI, often used interchangeably with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), uses differential reinforcement to emphasis specific social skills and constructs. Drug and Nutritional Therapies? Conventional drug therapies for autism have traditionally been used to treat isolated autistic symptoms rather than attempting to contain the disorder as a whole. In light of this, prescribed medications vary widely depending on the individual, although antidepressants remain a common psychiatric recommendation. In addition to the mainstay of pharmaceutical drugs, holistic medicine offers an alternative or complementing diet. Dosages of supplementary nutrients such as Vitamin B6 and magnesium have been commended by some parents, but are unsunbstantiated within the medical community. [For Tips and Strategies for Parents ...] _________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Autism / PDD ?

Autism is a developmental disability characterised by impairments in social interaction, in verbal and non-verbal communication and a pattern of repetitive, stereotypic activities. Autism represents one end of a spectrum of conditions called "Pervasive Developmental Disorders" (PDD) that share these clinical features but differ in natural history, number of symptoms, or patterns of behaviours. Autism represents the most extreme form of PDD and occurs in between 4 - 10 / 10 000 children with about four affected boys to every affected girl. The overall prevalence of PDD may be as much as 1 in 300 children.

What Characterizes An Austic Individual? Communication?
Among the autistic there is an immense diversity of communicative abilities, ranging from completely nonverbal to capably fluent. Within this continuum, many autistic individuals have difficulties in verbal machinery such as alterations of pitch and tone. Further markers include repetition, echolalia and the deliberation and expression of information.

Social Interaction?
Perhaps one of the more renowned indicators of autism, lack of eye contact is often characterised throughout the autistic spectrum. Along with this, there also tends to be an inability for the individuals to accurately express themselves through nonverbal gestures, this includes near and far pointing and general imagitive expression. In addition to this, notable and striking repetitive behaviour is also present.

What Causes Autism / PDD?

Although the cause of autism is not fully understood, there is a complex genetic component interacting with environmental factors. Researchers throughout the world are looking to identify these factors and explain why autism arises as a spectrum of disorders. Outside of this, explanations such as bad parenting and misbehaviour have now been dismissed.

How Is Autism / PDD Diagnosed ?

Although there is no absolute test available for an autism diagnosis, through observation of specific criteria a consensus diagnosis can be. This diagnosis may include contributions from psychiatrists, pediatricians, speech pathologists, neurologists and other consulting authorities. [For more on diagnositc criteria ...]

What Methods Are Currently Used To Treat PDD? Behavioural Therapies?
Although there is no substantiated cure for autism, viable treatments have been developed to lead autistic individuals in a positive developmental direction. Predominant among these techniques are behavioural therapies which emphasis building sound social skills in children through Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI). IBI, often used interchangeably with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), uses differential reinforcement to emphasis specific social skills and constructs.

Drug and Nutritional Therapies?
Conventional drug therapies for autism have traditionally been used to treat isolated autistic symptoms rather than attempting to contain the disorder as a whole. In light of this, prescribed medications vary widely depending on the individual, although antidepressants remain a common psychiatric recommendation. In addition to the mainstay of pharmaceutical drugs, holistic medicine offers an alternative or complementing diet. Dosages of supplementary nutrients such as Vitamin B6 and magnesium have been commended by some parents, but are unsunbstantiated within the medical community. [For Tips and Strategies for Parents ...]

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