What is Autism?
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a
complex developmental disability that typically appears during the
first three years of life and is the result of a neurological
disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting
development in the areas of social interaction and communication
skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show
difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social
interactions, and leisure or play activities. One should keep in
mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each
individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why early
diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin
benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.
Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of
Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological
disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in
several areas of development.”
The five disorders under PDD are:
Autistic Disorder
Asperger's Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
Rett's Disorder
PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria which been
outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic &
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).
Prevalence of Autism
Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders,
affecting an estimated 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control
Prevention, 2007). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5
million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism.
And this number is on the rise.
Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other
governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of
10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the
prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next
decade.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income,
lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any
child.
And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around
the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.