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What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

This document provides an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It defines ASD as a neurological developmental disability that impairs social interaction and communication. ASD is characterized by restricted and repetitive behaviors that are apparent in early childhood. The document discusses the rising prevalence of ASD diagnoses, different types of ASD under the DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria, and potential causes, though the exact etiology remains unknown.

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Mark Hibionada
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120 views17 pages

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

This document provides an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It defines ASD as a neurological developmental disability that impairs social interaction and communication. ASD is characterized by restricted and repetitive behaviors that are apparent in early childhood. The document discusses the rising prevalence of ASD diagnoses, different types of ASD under the DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria, and potential causes, though the exact etiology remains unknown.

Uploaded by

Mark Hibionada
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WHAT IS

Autism Spectrum Disorder?


What is your preconceived
notion or idea when you hear or
see the term autism?
Preconceived feelings?
WHAT IS
Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The fastest growing diagnoses of
childhood (from ‘91 to ‘99-up 1108%)
Very complex, often baffling
developmental disability
First described by Leo Kanner in 1943
as early infantile autism
“Auto” – children are “locked within
themselves.”
For next 30 years, considered to be an
emotional disturbance
WHAT IS ASD?
Today, autism is a severe form of a broader group
of disorders
These are referred to as pervasive developmental
disorders
Typically appears during the first 3 years of life
Expressed very differently – a wide range of abilities,
strengths and limitations.
WHAT IS ASD?
Neurological in origin – not emotional, not the
refrigerator mom
Prevalence figures vary (1 in 166 in text) 1:110
NOW
4 times more prevalent in boys
No known racial, ethnic, or social boundaries
No relation to family income, lifestyle
WHAT IS ASD?
Autism impacts normal development of the brain in
areas of social interaction and communication
skills and behavior.
Difficult to communicate with others and relate to
the outside world.
Occasionally, aggressive and/or self-injurious
behavior may be present.
WHAT IS ASD?
May exhibit repeated body movements (hand
flapping, rocking).
Unusual responses to people
Attachment to objects
Resistance to change in routine
Sensory sensitivities
WHAT ARE THE TYPES?
Actually, the “umbrella” heading is Pervasive
Developmental Disorder (PDD).
Autism is one of the 5 PDDs. For now – DSM IV
All have commonalities in communication and social
deficits
Differ in terms of severity
Differ in IQ levels
DSM 5 - ASD
1. Autistic Disorder
Impairments in social interaction,
communication, and imaginative play.
Apparent before age 3.
Also includes stereotyped behaviors, interests, and
activities
Autism added to the DSM III in 1980
2. Asperger’s Disorder
Impairments in social interactions, and presence of
restricted interests and activities
No clinically significant general delay in language
Average to above average intelligence
Hans Asperger – a Vienese medical student– 1944 –
his work not translated into English until 1981 and
entered into the DSM IV in 1994
3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not
Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Often referred to as atypical autism
Used when a child does not meet the criteria for a
specific diagnosis, but there is severe and pervasive
impairment in specified behaviors
Entered into the DSM IV in 1987 revision
4. Rett’s Disorder
Progressive disorder which, almost exclusively occurs
in females
Period of normal development and then the loss of
previously acquired skills
Also loss of purposeful use of hands, which is replaced
by repetitive hand movements
Beginning at age of 1-2 years, typically in first 5
months
Characterized by head growth deceleration and loss of
previously acquired skills between 5-48 months
Entered into the DSM IV in 1994
5. Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder
Normal growth and development prior to manifesting
social interaction (generally the first 2 years)
Then significant loss of previously acquired skills in at
least 2 of the following areas(language, social skills,
adaptive behavior, bowel or bladder control, play, or
motor skills) before the age of 10
Entered into the DSM IV in 1994
IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act
Autism was not an official disability category under
federal education law until 1990
Before this services were received under other
categories such as ID(MR), OHI , or BD
Conclusions on Types
Autism is a spectrum disorder
This means that symptoms and characteristics can
present themselves in wide variety of combinations,
from mild to severe
Individuals with autism can be very different from
each other
Kluth “2003” “If you know one person with autism, you
know ONE person with autism”
http://vodpod.com/watch/4313806-paula-kluth-autism
“Autism” is still commonly used to refer to any of the 5
PDDs
Cause?
Good agreement in general that autism is caused by
abnormalities in brain and central nervous system
development (typically result in over or under reactions to
various sensory stimuli)
May include chemical exposure, viral and genetic factors
Vaccines? – NO NO NO
Currently no medical test to confirm
A diagnosis is made by behavioral observations
Famous People with Autism
People on the spectrum have made some of the greatest
contributions to the world we know…

http://vodpod.com/watch/1570669-who-has-autism-
famous-google-video?u=naguinaga&c=naguinaga
Dr. Temple Grandin

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