The general meaning of the term ‘autism’ stems from the root words: aut meaning ‘self’ and ism meaning ‘orientation or state’. The overriding tendency is to be absorbed with oneself. The child’s thoughts, feelings and desires are governed by his internal apprehensions of the world. The internal is not consonant with the world of reality, giving the notion of pathology, wherein the individual sees things in the form of fantasy or dreams, wishes or hopes, instead of in terms of the reality that is common to others around him (Reber & Reber, 2001).
In Berk (2000), autism is explained as impairment in emotional and gestural (nonverbal) behaviours that are required for successful social interactions. The language is delayed and stereotyped, with some autistic children not speaking at all. Autism is believed to be highly heritable; in the world of the autistic, words such as ‘believe’, ‘think’, ‘know’ and ‘pretend’ are seldom part of their vocabulary (Happe, 1995).
While autistic disorders probably do not have a single cause (Rutter, 1978; Sue, Sue & Sue, 1997), variations of autism (autism spectrum disorders) has been suggested to be the result of neurodevelopmental anomalies in white-matter development (Ellis & Gunter, 1999). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a broad category of conditions that share similar symptoms; it is often referred to as pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) (Tilton, 2004).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Classical Autism
1.2 Pervasive Development Disorder ‘not otherwise specified’
1.3 Asperger’s Syndrome
1.4 High-functioning Autism
1.5 Rett Syndrome
1.6 Other spectrum disorders
2. Diagnosis, cause and prevalence
2.1 Prevalence
2.2 Age of Onset
2.3 Symptoms
2.4 Causes
2.5 The Parents’ Experience
3. Coexisting Medical Conditions
3.1 Tourette’s Syndrome (TS)
3.2 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
3.3 Seizures
3.4 Auditory Conditions
3.5 Visual Conditions
3.6 Other conditions
4. Associated Behaviours and Medication
4.1 Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviour
4.2 Communication
4.3 The Meltdown
5. Autism’s Impact
5.1 Parents
5.2 Siblings
6. As the Child Changes
7. Assistance
7.1 The Computer
7.2 Service Animals
8. Intervention
8.1 Respite Care
8.2 Support
9. Appendix A: DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder
10. References
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), exploring their definitions, causes, and diagnostic criteria, while offering practical guidance for parents and caregivers on managing the condition and supporting family dynamics. It addresses the challenges of early identification and the necessity of professional intervention.
- Biological and developmental foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Common coexisting medical conditions and associated behavioral challenges.
- The impact of an autism diagnosis on parental relationships and sibling well-being.
- Effective strategies for early intervention, communication, and practical support mechanisms.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Classical Autism
The most well known of the pervasive developmental disorders is probably autism (Banich, 2004). Dr. Leo Kanner coined the term in the 1940s while working as a psychiatrist at the John Hopkins University. At this stage, autism was seldom seen by physicians, but Kanner noted symptoms of communicative and socialization difficulties in patients, resulting in severe isolation and frustration for the sufferer. The child with autism seems to be isolated in his own little world, he makes no attempt at eye contact and is usually mute; he will resist change or interest in other people around him, while often seeming to be ‘stuck’ in inappropriate, repetitive routines (Stoppard, 2006). Tanguay (2000) identifies four basic characteristics of autism: qualitative impairment in social interaction; delays and abnormalities in language as well as other aspects of communication; restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviours, interests, or activities, and an onset of the problems in at least one of these areas before the age of three years old.
Due to the fact that ASD is a syndrome, it is comprised of a large variety of symptoms, making the symptoms of each child with autism different or exclusive from the next. This fact complicates diagnosis of the disorder; confirmation being possible through lab testing of the child’s blood. There are however signs and symptoms (in a greater or lesser degree) that are common to all autism spectrum disorders:
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines autism and the autism spectrum, providing historical context and identifying key characteristics such as social and communication impairments.
2. Diagnosis, cause and prevalence: Examines the rising prevalence rates of ASD, potential biological and genetic causes, and the critical importance of early diagnosis for better prognosis.
3. Coexisting Medical Conditions: Details common comorbid disorders such as Tourette’s syndrome, OCD, and seizures, and discusses how sensory sensitivities complicate the child's environment.
4. Associated Behaviours and Medication: Discusses behavioral challenges like meltdowns and obsessive routines, while addressing the role of medication in symptom management.
5. Autism’s Impact: Analyzes the emotional and social strain placed on parents and siblings, advocating for mutual support and maintaining healthy family connections.
6. As the Child Changes: Explores the unique challenges of puberty for autistic children, including hormonal changes and the development of new physical and behavioral symptoms.
7. Assistance: Highlights practical tools, specifically computers and service animals, that can improve the autonomy and communicative abilities of children with autism.
8. Intervention: Provides an overview of multidisciplinary intervention strategies involving pediatricians, psychologists, and respite care to support the child and the family.
Keywords
Autism, ASD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Diagnosis, Comorbidity, Communication, Meltdown, Early Intervention, Respite Care, Genetics, Neurology, Parenting, Behavioral Therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this publication?
This work provides an educational overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders, intended to help parents and professionals understand the nature of the condition, its symptoms, and effective ways to support affected individuals.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The text covers the spectrum of ASD, medical co-morbidities, behavioral challenges, the impact on family structures, and practical intervention and support strategies.
What is the core research objective of this work?
The main objective is to equip parents with a comprehensive understanding of ASD, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to intervention.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The author uses a literature-based approach, synthesizing diagnostic criteria, neurological research, and expert guidelines to offer a cohesive overview of current autism knowledge.
What does the main body of the work address?
It addresses the complexities of autism through diagnosis, the management of coexisting conditions, behavioral patterns like communication deficits and meltdowns, and the long-term support systems required for families.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Early Intervention, Comorbidity, and Support Strategies.
How does the book address the impact of autism on siblings?
It highlights the common feelings of neglect and stress among siblings and advises parents to validate their emotions and provide dedicated one-on-one attention to maintain family bonds.
What specific role can computers play in the development of an autistic child?
Computers function as a structured communication tool that matches the visual, logical processing style of the autistic brain, often leading to increased motivation and improved social interaction.
- Citar trabajo
- Gary Elliott (Autor), 2010, Autism and the Autism Spectrum Disorders, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275089
