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» Schizophrenia
- Featured Stories - Schizophrenia Research - Recently Diagnosed » Depression - Featured Stories - Depression Research - Recently Diagnosed » Bipolar Disorder - Featured Stories - Bipolar Disorder Research - Recently Diagnosed » Anxiety - Generalized Anxiety - Panic Disorder - Phobias - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Post-Traumatic Disorder - Featured Stories - Anxiety Research - Recently Diagnosed  Childhood Disorders
- Childhood Anxiety Disorder - Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Childhood Bipolar Disorder - Childhood Depression - Eating Disorders - Childhood Schizophrenia - Featured Stories - Childhood Disorders Research - Recently Diagnosed |
 Autism  Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), representing a range of brain disorders, are characterized by impairments in social communication and interactions, and include restricted patterns of behavior. These disorders share common origins and features, but are classified as spectrum disorders because the symptoms and severity vary among individuals. Autism is classified as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), and more recently as an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, ASDs typically affect 1 in 150 children. Prevalence is higher among boys than girls. Autistic disorder, or what is commonly referred to as autism, is the most prevalent of the ASDs, while Asperger’s Disorder is a milder form of autism with higher language development and often normal intellectual ability. The other disorders in the spectrum include PDD not otherwise specified (PDD NOS), and two rarer disorders--childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) and Rett’s syndrome. Asperger’s Disorder is also a PDD, and along with autism, are the two most common forms. Similar to autism, children with Asperger’s do not share enjoyment or interests with other people. While children with Asperger’s Disorder do not usually have the language or cognitive deficits evident in autism they may be uninterested in using language for a social purpose. Symptoms Symptoms of autism can range from mild to severe and may seem to appear gradually or suddenly. These behaviors include deficits in social interactions and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors or interests. Social deficits may include avoiding eye contact, resisting or passively accepting attention, and having difficulty controlling emotions. Communication symptoms vary in degree. Some children may have good basic language but exhibit difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations. Others may remain mute. Patterns of behavior, interests and activities may be restricted, repetitive or stereotyped such as obsessively studying maps or rocking back and forth. Also, many children with autism are highly attuned or even painfully sensitive to certain sounds, textures, tastes or smells. In rare cases, some children display remarkable abilities, such as drawing detailed, realistic pictures at a young age or playing an instrument without training. Symptoms may begin at birth, or may occur after months of normal development. However, no two children with the disorder behave the same way. Causes It is believed that some combination of genetic, biological, environmental or other factors contribute to autism. Researchers are exploring several genes, which are believed to contribute to the disorder, as well as several brain regions, which have shown abnormalities. Scientists are also exploring the effects of genetic imprinting in which a gene’s expression is determined by which parent donates the gene copy. Certain neurotransmitters may also function abnormally. Other research looks at the possibility that a faulty immune response to a virus, elevated concentrations of proteins at birth in the blood, dysregulation of specific neuropeptides, or maternal experience of a major stress during pregnancy may lead to the disorder in some cases. Treatment There is no one accepted treatment for ASDs; however, it is widely accepted that earliest interventions allow for the best outcomes. Treatments generally address both cognitive and behavioral functioning. Care may include a combination of medications for behaviors (such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, or hyperactivity), behavior therapy, psychoeducation, family support groups, educational interventions, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized training to develop and improve acquisition of necessary skills. If you think your child may be experiencing symptoms of ASD, trained medical help should be sought immediately. Families can turn to child psychiatrists and psychologists, developmental/behavioral pediatricians, or behavioral neurologists. These individuals are those who are most often trained in ASD or in the diagnosis of other childhood mental disorders. Clinical social workers may also have such training. For additional information on Autism Spectrum Disorders,  Download NARSAD's ASD fact sheet
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