Autism Spectrum Disorder
The result of a neurological disorder affecting the functioning
of the brain, autism with associated behaviors has been estimated
to occur in one out of every 250 births (Center for Disease Control
and Prevention Report, 2003).
Autism is four times more prevalent
in boys than girls. The U.S. Department of Education and other government
agencies report that autism is growing at a rate of 10-17 percent
per year.
Symptoms
Autism is a spectrum disorder, thus the symptoms and characteristics
of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations
with different degrees of severity.
In some cases, aggressive and/or
self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may also
exhibit some of the following traits in varying degrees:
· Resistant to change, insists on sameness
· Difficulty in expressing needs; might use gestures or pointing
instead
· Repeats words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
· Laughs, cries, or shows distress for reasons not apparent
to others
· Prefers to be alone; has an aloof manner
· Has tantrums
· Poor or no eye contact
· Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
· Sustained odd play
· Inappropriate attachments to objects
· Over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain or touch; resists
cuddling
· Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
· Uneven gross/fine motor skills
· No response to verbal cues; acts as if deaf, although can
hear
Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each case can have different
limitations and abilities.
Many children and adults with autism show
affection, smile, laugh, and demonstrate a variety of other emotions,
although in varying degrees. Many autistic children do make eye contact;
however it may be less often or different from a non-autistic child.
Many develop good functional language, while others develop some type
of communication skills, such as sign language or use of pictures.
While children do not “outgrow” autism, symptoms may decrease
as the child develops and receives treatment.
If your child is experiencing Autism Spectrum Disorder, I can help! Please call me today for a free consultation at (949) 955-3233 or email me at lisaenn@aol.com.
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