Frequently Asked Questions About Autism

What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, severely affecting a person’s ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and respond appropriately to the environment. While people with autism share certain social, communication, and behavioral characteristics, no two people with autism will be alike. Autism was first described in 1944 by psychiatrist Leo Kanner.

Autism is considered to be a spectrum disorder. Symptoms and characteristics present themselves in a wide variety of combinations and vary from mild to severe. Autism, and other spectrum disorders, can occur alone or in combination with other disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mental retardation (MR), epilepsy, Tourette Syndrome, or others.

What causes Autism?
Scientists have not identified a primary cause for autism. There are many theories about potential causes. Current research points to the following possibilities: viral infections, adverse reactions to certain vaccinations, metabolic disorders, pollutant exposure, and/or chemical imbalance. It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. Autism spectrum disorders are not emotional or behavioral disorders, and are not caused by poor parenting.

How prevalent is Autism?
According to Centers for Disease Control, it is estimated that as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism, and that autism spectrum disorders are as common as 1 in 150. Autism is growing at a rate of 10-17% per year according to the U.S. Department of Education.

What are the five Pervasive Developmental Disorders?
Autistic Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

How is Autism diagnosed?
There are no medical tests which detect or diagnose autism. Diagnosis is based on behavioral observation, combined with interview and a comprehensive review of developmental history, including family history, birth complications, early development, and developmental milestones.

Is there a cure for Autism?
While there is no known cure for autism, the capacity to learn and develop new skills is within every child. Today, more than ever before, children with autism can be helped. It is possible to greatly improve the day-to-day life of children with autism spectrum disorders.

A combination of early intervention, special education, training and family support may help increasing numbers of children with autism spectrum disorders to live more “typical” lives.

What are the general characteristics of Autism?
1) Lack of reciprocal social interaction;
Social behavior is often delayed and unusual. This ranges from aloofness through social passivity to odd one-sided relationships and depends on the child’s developmental level.

2) Disordered communication;
The pattern of language development is both delayed and unusual. Children with autism may be mute (nonverbal), their language may be dysfluent and peculiar, or their verbalizations may be structurally and semantically correct but non-communicative.

3) Stereotyped and/or repetitive behavior, interests, and activities;
Repetitive behavior is abnormal in its form, intensity, frequency and persistence. It ranges from simple, repeated motor activities, to more complex, compulsive rituals to elaborate pseudo-academic pursuits.

What is Asperger's Disorder?
Asperger’s Disorder (sometimes referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome) is characterized by features such as pedantic speech, perseveration on preferred topics, poor non-verbal communication, intense absorption in certain subjects or interests, a lack of empathy, naivety, little or no ability to form (despite desire for) friendships, inflexible adherence to routines, poor coordination, and awkward movement or postures. The qualitative impairments in social interaction become apparent with their peers, since they develop reasonable patterns of attachment with parents and other family members.