children s health issues
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorders may appear in the first 2 years of life, but in milder forms symptoms may not be detected until school age. Children with an autism spectrum disorder develop symptoms in the following areas: Social communications and interactions Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior Symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder range from mild to severe, but most people require some level of support in both areas. People with an ASD vary widely in their ability to function independently in school or society and in their need for supports. In addition, about 20 to 40% of children with an ASD, particularly those with an IQ less than 50, develop Seizure Disorders before reaching adolescence. In about 25% of affected children, a loss of previously acquired skills (regression in development) occurs around the time of diagnosis and may be the initial indicator of a disorder. Often, infants with an ASD cuddle and make eye contact in atypical ways. Although some affected infants become upset when separated from their parents, they may not turn to parents for security as do other children. Older children often prefer to play by themselves and do not form close personal relationships, particularly outside of the family. When interacting with other children, they may not use eye contact and facial expressions to establish social contact, and they have difficulty interpreting the moods and expressions of others. They may have difficulty knowing how and when to join a conversation and difficulty recognizing inappropriate or hurtful speech. These factors may cause others to view them as odd or eccentric and thus lead to social isolation. The most severely affected children never learn to speak. Those who learn may do so much later than normal and use words in an unusual way. They often repeat words spoken to them (echolalia), use memorized scripted speech in place of more spontaneous language, or reverse the normal use of pronouns, particularly usingyouinstead ofIormewhen referring to themselves. Conversation may not be interactive, and, when present, is used more to label or request than to share ideas or feelings. People with an autism spectrum disorder may speak with an unusual rhythm and pitch. People with an autism spectrum disorder are often very resistant to changes, such as new food, toys, furniture arrangement, and clothing. They may become excessively attached to particular inanimate objects. They often do things repetitively. Younger and/or more severely affected children often repeat certain acts, such as rocking, hand flapping, or spinning objects. Some may injure themselves through repetitive behaviors such as head banging or biting themselves. Less severely affected people may watch the same video multiple times or insist on eating the same food every meal. People with an ASD often have very specialized, often unusual interests. For instance, a child may be preoccupied with vacuum cleaners. People with an autism spectrum disorder often have over-reactions or under-reactions to sensations. They may be extremely repelled by certain odors, tastes, or textures, or react unusually to painful, hot, or cold sensations that other people find distressing. They may ignore some sounds and be extremely bothered by others. Many people with an ASD have some degree of Intellectual Disability (an IQ less than 70). Their performance is uneven. They usually do better on tests of motor and spatial skills than on verbal tests. Some people with an ASD have idiosyncratic or "splinter" skills, such as the ability to carry out complex mental arithmetic or advanced musical skills. Unfortunately, such people often cannot use these skills in a productive or socially interactive way. All signs do not have to be present for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, but children must have difficulties in both A and B. The signs can vary widely in severity, but must impair children's functioning. A. Difficulties in social communication and interaction: Difficulty engaging with others and sharing thoughts and feelings Difficulty with nonverbal communication (such as making eye contact, understanding and using body language and facial expressions) Difficulty developing, maintaining, and understanding interpersonal relationships B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and/or activities: Repeated movements or speech Inflexible adherence to routines and resistance to change Very restricted, intense interests Very increased or decreased response to physical sensations, such as tastes, smells, textures 