Autism Library 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are chararacterized, in varying degrees, by

  • Difficulties in social interaction,
  • V​erbal and nonverbal communication,
  • Repetitive behaviours and
  • Differences in sensory perception.

What Causes ASD?

Autism is thought to have a genetic component which results in atypical neurological development and functioning. A lot of research is being done to try and find the cause of autism, but as yet there are no definite answers.

There is agreement however that autism is no-one’s fault. It is not a parent’s fault that their child has been born with autism. It is NOT a psychological or emotional disorder.

It is NOT the result of bad parenting and autistic children do NOT choose to misbehave. Misbehaviour are often reactions to the environment and are expressions of the difficulties autistic people experience.

Understanding Autism – Clinical Description

Autism is a lifelong, complex condition that occurs as a result of disordered brain growth, structure and development. Autism is believed to stem from a genetic predisposition triggered by environmental factors and affects 4-5 times more boys than girls. There are a vast number of ways that a person can manifest their autism and as a result this condition is now more often referred to as “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (ASD).
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong, extremely complex condition that appears to result from a genetic predisposition that is triggered by environmental factors.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a new DSM-5 name that reflects a scientific consensus that four previously separate disorders are actually a single condition with different levels of symptom severity in two core domains. Austism now encompasses the previous DSM-IV autistic disorder (autism), Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
Autism is characterized by 1 deficits in social communication and social interaction and 2 restricted repetitive behaviours, interests, and activities (RRBs).
Because both components are required for diagnosis of austism, social communication disorder is diagnosed if no RRBs are present.

Communication Signs

No babbling by 11 months of age
No simple gestures by 12 months (e.g., waving bye-bye)
No single words by 16 months
No 2-word phrases by 24 months (noun + verb – e.g., “baby sleeping”)
No response when name is called, causing concern about hearing
Loss of any language or social skills at any age

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