Autism is classified by the World Health Organization and American Psychiatric Association as a developmental disability that results from a disorder of the human central nervous system. It is diagnosed using specific criteria for impairments in social interaction, communication, interests, and activities. The causes, symptoms, etiology, treatment, and other issues are controversial.
Autism typically manifests itself before the age of three years, Children with autism are marked by “the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication and a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interests.” (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition with Text Revision, American Psychiatric Association, 2004).
Autism is one of five disorders that are part of a group of conditions referred to as the Autism Spectrum Disorders, all considered to be neuro-developmental conditions. In addition to Autism, the disorders include Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Rett’s Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. As mentioned above, they are diagnosed on the basis of the presence of three behavioral impairments or dysfunctions that include impaired social interactions, impaired communication, and restricted and repetitive interests and activities.
From a physiological standpoint, autism is often less than obvious in that outward appearance usually does not indicate the presence of a disorder. Diagnosis typically comes from a complete patient developmental history, and physical and neurological evaluations. There is now research suggesting distinct and recognizable differences and changes that occur in the brains of people with these disorders, supporting the idea that these disorders are genetic in origin.
The incidence of diagnosed autism has increased since the 1990s. Reasons offered for this phenomenon include better diagnosis, wider public awareness of the condition, regional variations in diagnostic criteria, and/or simply an increase in the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is now recognized that almost 1 in every 150 children have an autism spectrum disorder.
Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous physical ailments, which may include allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, and sleeping disorders.
Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls, and almost eight times more often for boys than girls for Asperger’s Disorder. Its’ prevalence does not appear to be affected by race, religion, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the occurrence has climbed to an alarming 1 in 150 people across the country.
Autism does not appear to affect life expectancy. Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved and effectively managed.
