|
Here you will find answers to some of the more common questions regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders, treatment options, and other related topics. Why are these problems called “Spectrum Disorders”? Autism Disorders are referred to as a spectrum, because of the wide variability in the symptoms and severity of impairment from one individual to the next. A general way of thinking of this is that Autism Disorders range from extremely mild to extremely severe. No two people with Autism show exactly the same characteristics, or struggle with exactly the same difficulties, making each case of Autism unique. This illustrates the importance of each person’s treatment plan and education plan being highly individualized and tailored to the unique needs of each person with Autism. What causes Autism? At this point, we don’t know. There is strong evidence that genetics are involved as the primary cause, but this has yet to be thoroughly investigated. There are a host of other proposals as to the origin of Autism, including chemical exposure, immune and allergy impairments, and diet influences, but none of these alternate theories has yet to be supported by reliable research. Because of this, there is also no known cure for Autism, only treatments designed to help manage the symptoms. Can poor parenting be responsible for a child developing Autism? The research that has been done so far does not support the idea that parents are responsible for a child developing one of these disorders. In fact, the research shows the opposite, and the information points most strongly to a genetic origin. How is Autism treated? There are a number of treatments, therapies, and interventions that claim to manage the symptoms of Autism, but very few of them have had the support of reliable research. Applied Behavior Analysis, and some of its’ variations, has been consistently shown through reliable research to be effective in managing Autism symptoms, and in assisting people with Autism to develop healthier and more constructive behaviors and habits. Special education services that utilize proven educational strategies, such as TEACCH, have also been shown to be effective, along with Speech and Language Therapy to target the communication impairments common to Autism. There are also a number of medications available that are effective in helping manage some of the symptoms as well, such as agitation, impulse control, and repetitive behaviors. What is Asperger’s Disorder? Asperger’s Disorder is one of the diagnoses included under the category of Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is considered a milder form of Autism, where an individual has significant impairments in social interactions, and demonstrates restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Unlike the more severe forms of Autism, in Asperger’s Disorder there are no significant delays or deviance in speech or language, although there is a significant impairment in the use of non-verbal communication and social cues.
|
