autism

AUTISM - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

AUTISM
SPECTRUM
DISORDER

Autism is generally acknowledged as a chemistry imbalance in the brain that effects the persons ability to function as other people do.

Autism is a disability, but is unlike anything else you may come across. When you think of a disability you normally think of either physical or mental disabilities. Autism is neither. My way of phrasing it is:-
"Autism is a communication disability."

To define this more , here is a description given by the Autism Association of Queensland(AAQ) -:

*The AAQ describes autism as a developmental disability that affects how the person:
1. understands and participates in the communication process.
2. learns to interact with people.
3. processes information from their senses.
4. learns to adapt to their enviroment.

The confusion frustration and anxiety that result from these severe deficits often leads to behavioural problems such as withdrawal, aggression, self-abuse or repetitive movements.

* Please note: There are many discrepancies amongst researchers and workers in the field of autism, about what the major deficit areas of autism really are. For example, Frith describes autism as having three core features of impairments in communication, socialisation and imagination; Baron-Cohen and Bolton describe autism as consisting of two major problem areas which are inability to form social relationships and an inability to develop normal communication; Gillberg and Coleman state the four criteria for autism currently agreed upon by most authorities as being early onset, social problems, communication problems and restricted, repetittive stereotyped beahviours; Wing lists the problems as an impairment of social communication, social relationships, and social understanding and imagination; Ornitz describes autism as being a disturbane of sensory modulation, which leads to the difficulties with social relating, communication, language and the bizarre responses to the enviroment.

It is to try and incorporate all of these criteria in a readily understandable way that the AAQ describe the four areas in this way.

WHERE DOES ASD COME FROM?

At present, there are no medical or psychological tests to determine the presence of autism.

A diagnosis of autism is based on the presence of a cluster of observable behavioural symptons and lack of skills in particular areas of functioning.

Most of these behaviours are also typical of normal development. It is the combination of the behaviours, their intensity, and the fact that they persist beyond the normal age that leads to diagnosis of ASD.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

There are many theories about how ASD originates. The most common belief is that ASD is hereditry. Research is being done world wide to prove or disprove this theory one way or the other. Some researchers believe they have found the strand of DNA where ASD is located but this is still being researched. Because of the differences in the circumstances of each individual, there are many other possible origins of ASD. Contact with infections during pregnacy (especially german measles), traumatic births, injuries to the head, and of course as mentioned above genetics. Now please don't panic and say one of these things has happened to my child they must be ASD. These are only possible causes of ASD.

Is Aspergers different to Autism?

You may often hear people say my child is not autistic he/she is Aspergers. Like many things Autism has diferent levels of severity, therefore people who have autism function at different levels. Asperger is used to classify autistic people on the higher functioning end of the spectrum. People diagnosed as asperger are generally very intelligent, and capable of a lot more interaction with others. However asperger is still autism. That is why the more commonly used term is ASD. ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a more accurate description as it covers the varying levels of autism including aspergers.

CAN ASD BE CURED?

I personally believe that it would be much more effective to teach the rest of world tolerance and understanding. As we are all different, and we should be allowed to embrace our uniqueness and indidviduality, instead of stifling it to conform to so called "normal" behaviour. I would never suggest that autism should not be treated. Just that tolerance be granted by those who are not autistic to those who are.

After all, Albert Einstein the scientist was autsitic, and I think the world has a lot to thank for that.

At this point in time there is no cure for ASD. However, it can be treated with therapy, diet and medication. Treatment can involve any combinations of the 3 methods mentioned. Whatever treatment* is used; it should always be done in conjunction with the advice of a Doctor specialising in the treatment of autism. This could include a psychiarist or psychologist where necessary.