Autistic spectrum

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The autistic spectrum (sometimes referred to as the autism spectrum) is a developmental and behavioral syndrome that results from certain combinations of traits. Although these traits may be normally distributed in the population, some individuals inherit or otherwise manifest more autistic traits. At the severe end of the spectrum is low-functioning autism which has profound impairments in many areas, to Asperger's syndrome and high-functioning autism, to "normal" behaviour and perhaps hypersocialization on the high end of the spectrum.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are classified as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), as opposed to specific developmental disorders like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, or dyspraxia. Also many people diagnosed with any of the Autistic spectrum disorders are more likely to end up in povertyhttp://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/116/6/1480

Contents

1 Autistic spectrum and pervasive development disorders
2 Autistic traits

2.1 Social impairment
2.2 Language impairment
2.3 Imaginative impairment and repetitive adherence
2.4 Sensory integration dysfunction

3 ADHD and autism
4 See also
5 External links
6 References

Autistic spectrum and pervasive development disorders

In practice, autistic spectrum disorder and pervasive developmental disorder are synonymous, but making a distinction is valuable. Pervasive developmental disorders refer to those psychological and behavioral developmental disorders encompassing many areas of functioning: language and communication, self-help skills, motor coordination, executive function, and scholastic achievement. The nosological category of pervasive developmental disorders includes syndromes that may be etiologically unrelated to autism, with autistic-like behavior being only one part of the disorder: Rett's syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.

Autistic traits

Behaviorally, certain characteristics identify the autism spectrum:

Social impairment

Lack of observed desire for friendship
Poor ability to make friends
Social awkwardness
Indiscriminate social interaction
Lack of eye contact
Brief response to questions
Gullibility

Language impairment

Odd or monotonous prosody of speech
Overly formal and pedantic language
Pronoun reversal
Visuospatial thinking sometimes preferred
Use of rote chunks of language
Late or no development of language
Poor use and understanding of nonverbal communication (i.e., facial expressions and body language)

Imaginative impairment and repetitive adherence

Concrete and literal use of language
Poor understanding of abstract thought, metaphors, and symbolism
Preference for routine
Absorption in detail; inability to understand meaning or the whole of a concept
Perseverative interest or focus

Sensory integration dysfunction

Hyper- or hyposensitivity of the various senses
Peculiar clothing and food preferences
Self-stimulating mannerisms
Fine or gross motor discoordination

The number of autistic traits present determines the severity of autism in the individual. These autistic traits may be beneficial for some disciplines like science, mathematics, and engineering because they require rote memorization, which some autistic individuals might show a marked proficiency in.

ADHD and autism

Some research has indicated a possible genetic and behavioral connection between ADHD and autism. As a result, some clinicians have suggested that ADHD be included under the category of autism spectrum disorders. [link]

Diagnoses of ADHD together with autism spectrum disorder are becoming increasingly common in children. In young children, the two conditions can appear similar. However, as children age, differences emerge between the two conditions. Children with typical autism become more withdrawn, while with a suitable environment hyperactivity reduces. In either event, problems with social skills can develop.

By contrast, children with ADHD rarely calm down with age but often develop social and communication skills to a normal level. Any issues with social skills experienced by children with ADHD may have other causes. Examples include low self-esteem or difficulty with quiet, constructive social interaction.

External links

[Wrong Planet] - A web community for those on the autism spectrum with an emphasis on support and advocacy.
[Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)]
[Weird Not Stupid] - A website created from the perspective of a person who has two siblings who are on the Autism Spectrum with the goal of giving information to anybody who is seeking it.

References

[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism]

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