AUTISM

Topics in Mental Health

By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe

What is Autistic Disorder?

Autistic Disorder, more commonly known as autism, is a neurological disorder that begins in childhood. Autistic disorder commonly appears within the first three years of life. An autistic child has social, communication, behavioural and physical symptoms. For instance, the child may fail to communicate both verbally and non-verbally. He may show no interest in interacting with people, but prefer to focus his attention on a limited number of interests and activities that he engages in over and over again. He may also repeat certain body movements (such as moving his arms up and down) as a form of self-stimulation. To others, he may seem to be living in his own private world.

Symptoms of Autistic Disorder (DSM-IV Criteria)

In order to diagnose a child with autistic disorder the child must meet the following criteria with at least one criterion from A, two of the criteria from B and one from C.

1. The child displays qualitative impairments in communication as made apparent by at least one of the following:

·        Repetition of words, phrases or sentences or use of a idiosyncratic language.

·        Delay in development of spoken language.

·        Lack of social imitative play appropriate to developmental level.

·        Significant impairment in ability to create or sustain conversation with others.

1. The child displays impairments in social interaction as made apparent by at least one of the following:

·        Lack of emotional or social give and take.

·        Failure to develop peer relationships and friendships.

·        Significant impairment in the use of nonverbal language (i.e. facial. expression, eye-to-eye gaze).

·        Lack of interest in sharing enjoyments or experiences with others.

1. The child displays stereotyped and restricted repetitive patterns of interests, behaviour and activities, as made apparent by at least one of the following:

·        Rigid adherence to non-functional routines.

·        Fixated interest in parts of objects.

·        Preoccupation with one or more restricted and stereotyped patterns of interest that is abnormal either in focus or intensity.

·        Repetitive and stereotyped body movements.

As well as meeting the above criteria the child must meet the following:

• The disturbance does not better match the symptoms of childhood disintegrative disorder or Rett`s disorder.
• The child displays delays or abnormal functioning in one of the following areas with onset before the age of three: spoken language, imaginative or symbolic play, social interaction.
• If the child meets all of the above criteria then he may be diagnosed with autistic disorder. Your child’s physician, child psychiatrist or developmental psychologist can assess for the presence of autistic disorder.

Treatment for Autistic Disorder

Currently there are no known measures that can be undertaken in order to prevent the development of autistic disorder. In treating autistic disorder one can use specialized educational and behavioural programs as well as medication and various therapies. Behaviour modification is effective in reducing or eliminating maladaptive behaviours. Behavioural therapy is useful in teaching motor, social and cognitive skills. Having an individualized treatment plan for autistic disorder is important since autistic children greatly vary in their behavioural needs. Highly structured special education programs focus on developing speech and language, social skills and self-care. Medication can also benefit your child in the treatment of autism. Parent counselling is suggested in order to help parents reduce stress and anxiety arising out of the care of an autistic child.