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Article Series: Autism
Autism Causes, Signs & Treatments
Autism:
What Are The Characteristics?
Autism has been defined as a brain
development disorder that restricts an individual's ability
to interact
and communicate with others in a normal manner. And while this
definition helps to give us an idea of the problems and symptoms
involved, it is an extraordinarily complex issue and cannot
be readily understood with just a few simple words.
Another aspect of an autistic individual is behavior that
could be described as a pattern of repetitive, stereotypic
activities. Which is to say - motor behavior that is seemingly
driven, non-functional and repetitive. It does not fit into
normal activities and can at times cause self-injury.
In examining the subject of autism, it is important to understand
that it is just one part of a spectrum of conditions that is
represented by the term 'Pervasive Developmental Disorders'
or PDD. Some of these disorders include: Asperger's Disorder,
Retts' Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. These
disorders may share certain clinical features but differ widely
in their symptoms and behaviors. As well, amongst patients
diagnosed with autism - there can be a range of different patterns.
However, the three general aspects of an impairment
in the ability to interact and communicate with others, and
the pattern
of repetitive, stereotypic behavior are the major indicators
of autism. Because these problems manifest themselves
generally at a very young age - usually before the age of three - they
interfere with the natural growth of basic skills. Thus they
are termed "developmental disorders". To varying
degrees each child will be faced with obstacles to overcome.
It is accepted that this challenge will remain throughout their
whole adult lives.
Other
characteristics that can indicate an autistic condition
but are not necessarily present in each case are: overly impulsive
behavior, a short attention span, odd responses to sensory
input, odd fears and anxieties, unexplained abnormalities in
eating, drinking or sleeping, and unusual skill development
or the presence of unusual abilities.
Though awareness of this disorder is growing rapidly, the
exact cause and nature of it is still the subject of many ongoing
studies and research. This awareness has also brought to light
that while it was once thought to be a rarity, autism, and
related, similar conditions are actually much more prevalent.
In fact, some studies seem to indicate that the rate of occurrence
is growing. However, this may in part be due to the fact that
the medical community is better able to diagnose the disorder
and that there is a greater spectrum of associated similar
conditions. Estimates have been made that range between 1 person
in every 500 to 1 in every 1,000. It is not partial to any
particular ethnic, social or racial group but it is found to
affect boys three to four times more often than girls.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2008
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