What is Autism

What is Autism? & Presentations

What is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong disability that affects social development and is characterized by specific behaviours. Symptoms vary from person to person and there is a wide spectrum of severity from mild to very severe. The latest statistics indicate that 1 in 200 Canadian children are affected by autism and that it affects four times more males than females, with an overall increase of 600% in diagnosis over the past 10 years. What was once viewed as a rare disorder is now recognized as the most common neurological disorder affecting children.

Autism is a neurological disorder affecting communication, social interaction skills and behaviour. It usually manifests during the first three years of life. Impaired social interaction is its hallmark symptom, as children with autism have serious problems relating to others and often avoid looking at people. Fifty percent (50%) are non-verbal and up to eighty percent (80%) may be intellectually challenged, with only a few demonstrating the fantastic mathematical abilities exhibited by Dustin Hoffman's character in the film "Rainman". Many children with autism do not have even one friend. This is a source of great stress to them and to their families.

Individuals with autism may exhibit repeated body movements, unusual responses to people or attachments to objects, resistance to changes in routine, and extreme sensory sensitivity. This often includes severe reactions to noise and touch. This means that significant levels of supervision are required.

Common characteristics of children with autism:

delayed or nonexistent speech
echolalia, perseveration, pronoun reversal
aloofness or indifference to others
little or no eye contact
hyper or hypo sensitivity to sight, taste, smell, touch and hearing
unresponsive to cold or heat
insensitive to pain
lacks comprehension of content and timing of conversation
difficulty processing and understanding verbal language
strong resistance to change in routine
difficulties with abstract concepts
inappropriate attachment to objects

Parents are often desperate for services and support, and overwhelmed by the lack of access to them. The Geneva Centre for Autism in Toronto is Canada's leading clinical, training and support centre for children with autism and their families; while in greater British Columbia there is no counterpart, even in Victoria which until recently had the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children's autism unit. VSCA presently has approximately 100 families on the roles, while in BC, the Ministry of Children and Family Development serves about 1,600 children and youth who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This 1,600 does not include the unknown number of adults no longer served by the MCFD.

There is no medical test for autism and no known cause. Several specific diagnoses make up the larger group of Autism Spectrum Disorders or Pervasive Developmental Disorders. The following are some, but by no means all, of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD):

Autistic Disorder - impairments in social interaction, communications and imaginative play prior to age 3. Stereotyped behaviours, interests and activities are shown.

Asperger's Disorder - characterized by impairments in social interactions; restricted interests and activities; no clinically significant general delay in language. Testing indicates average to above average intelligence.

Pervasive Development Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified - diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child does not meet the full criteria for diagnosis of autism but there is severe impairment associated with autism.

Rett's Disorder - a progressive disorder which, to date, has only been observed in girls. Period of normal development followed by a loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of hands replaced with repetitive hand movements. Begins at ages 1-4 years.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) - is a rare form of PDD. Child develops normally at birth but has loss of acquired skills during first five years of life. Symptoms include loss of language, decreased use of nonverbal gestures and fewer social initiations and responses.

Although a specific cause of autism is not known, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. Research suggests there is a genetic base to the disorder and is currently focusing on several specific genes. Other research may indicate an environmental aspect to the disorder, but it is far too soon to be certain. Indications are that certain food allergies, illness, stress and other stimulus may exacerbate the effects of autism in some individuals. Urban mythology claims that ASD's are caused by the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccines, however this is not borne out by science.

There is no cure for autism but effective, structured intervention combining education, support and training provide children with autism with the skills necessary for successful integration, participation and acceptance in our society. Early diagnosis (before age 3), autism related assessments, research validated effective treatments and adequate family supports are vital for a child with an autism condition to experience the most improvements possible, and thus are vital to the future development of the child. Additionally, research validated effective treatments have been shown to also provide significant improvements in the condition of older children, youth and adults with autism spectrum conditions. Therefore, accurate diagnosis, autism related assessments, adequate family supports and effective treatments are essential for all people with autism, regardless of age or prior treatment/non-treatment. Early intervention (before school age) has demonstrated encouraging results but remains expensive to implement and requires a long term commitment for success.