What are ASD?
The term Autistic Spectrum Disorders refers to a range of conditions affecting social and communication skills. Classic autism is accompanied by some degree of learning disability and here four times as many boys are affected as girls. Asperger Syndrome affects nine males to every one female and in this condition intelligence is normal or above average. The three main impairments in both are:
- Difficulty in social interaction so that the person with the condition may appear aloof and lack spontaneity
- Poor communication skills because of lack of understanding of how other people feel and think
- Limited imagination with failure to play imaginatively
In addition many develop repetitive/stereotyped behaviours and have obsessional interests. Most dislike change, have poor motivation and easily become anxious.
The spectrum of autistic conditions may range from children who manage to attend mainstream schools with varying degrees of help, to children who need a high degree of support in specialist schools. It is a lifelong disability, but much can be done to enable each person to learn and develop. A caring, supported and well organised environment with trained and skilled staff to provide personalised help has proved to be most beneficial.
What Causes Autistic Spectrum Disorders?
The causes of Autistic Spectrum Disorders are not yet known, but there is evidence that they are associated with brain abnormalities which may be the result of more than one contributory factor. Four times as many males than females are affected.
There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors are responsible for some forms of autism. Scientists have for some years been attempting to identify which genes might be implicated in autism for some years.
Autism is likely to develop from multiple genes rather than a single gene. The difficulty of establishing gene involvement is compounded by the interaction of genes and by their interaction with environmental factors. For these reasons genetic testing to diagnose a pre-disposition to an autistic spectrum disorder is not, at present, possible.
Autism is a developmental condition affecting the way the brain processes information and there is no 'cure'; children with autism become adults with autism. Much can be achieved to make life less challenging with appropriate education and support.
(Courtesy of the National Autistic Society)
PARIS - Public Autism Resource & Information Service
The website for the National Autistic Society