Aspergers and Autism

AUTISM

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behaviors, all starting before a child is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome.

ASPERGERS SYNDROME

Asperger syndrome (also Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Asperger's, or AS) is one of several Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) also characterized by difficulties in social interaction and by restricted and stereotyped interests and activities. Aspergers syndrome is different in that there is no general delay in language or cognitive development. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria, motor clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported.

THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

Signs of Asperger's syndrome and Autism usually will appear in the first three years of a child's life, although there is no exact age for when signs of these disorders will emerge. These signs may differ between children in type and severity as well, so Autism, Asperger's syndrome and similar disorders are often seen as occurring on a spectrum.

These disorders are not intellectual disabilities or mental illnesses, or caused by poor parenting skills. Currently Asperger's and Autism cannot be diagnosed at birth through means such as blood tests or brain scans. Diagnosis occurs as delays are observed in the child's development, typically at two years of age although some researchers are arguing for earlier diagnosis.

TYPICAL INDICATORS OF AUTISM & ASPERGER'S SYNDROME

These disorders will cause delays in a child's early development, with possible early signs, or indicators, from these groups:

Social skills

Cannot carry out simple instructions

Does not maintain eye contact or smile back to others

Appears happy in their own world, with little interest in others

Delays to normal development of speech

Responding to some sounds, but not human voices

Behavior

Difficulty coping with changes to routines

Self-injuring behavior

Emotional outbursts with no apparent cause, or overly passive

Overly attached to certain objects or topics

Repetitive or ritualistic behavior such as rocking or flapping of the hands

The senses

Strong reaction to certain sounds

Will not look at objects directly

Insensitivity to pain, or extremes of temperature

Eating a very restricted range of food types

Walking on tip toes

Drawn to watching certain patterns or feeling certain textures.

Play and imagination

Will only play with certain toys, possibly in unusual ways

Prefers not to play with others

Engages in only a limited range of play

Does not engage in pretend play.