Posts
The Autism Spectrum: Defining A Complex Condition
>> Friday, September 2, 2011
Autism is an extremely complex condition, marked by impairment of social and communicational skills, though manifesting itself in different conditions which share core characteristics of the autism spectrum.
Medical practitioners have deemed it necessary to coin this umbrella term in order to ensure that the disorders sharing its core characteristics can be effectively dealt with. This proves especially necessary, since autism is such a complex illness, though it hampers social interaction and ability to adapt in each of its manifestations.
The five disorders in this category are usually called pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). They generally first manifest themselves in early childhood. The disorders share many of the same features, but differ in their intensity. The disorders fitting under the spectrum are classic autism, Asprger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder not Otherwise Specified (which is usually called atypical autism, ) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett syndrome. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett syndrome are extremely rare, though, and are usually not regarded as being part of the spectrum.
The first of these is marked by severe symptoms, usually manifesting themselves in early childhood, and characterized by social impairment in communication and empathy, as well as repetitive behaviour. Speech related problems, as well as problems with play and obsessive repetition of routine is also common. Social cues such as eye contact, gesturing, expressions and vocalizing emotion also present challenges.
Milder symptoms are found in Asperger's Syndrome, which does not impair intelligence and verbal skills. Other social cues, such as eye contact and body language still present difficulty, however.
A more difficult case of defining an illness under the spectrum is found in atypical autism, which does share the symptoms of the other disorders, such as social impairment and obsessive behaviour. However, it is still not considered to qualify for the definition of any of the other spectrum disorders, or of a disorder in the range of schizophrenia. It also has a later age of onset.
Both Rett's disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder are characterized by early loss of motor and linguistic skills. In the case of the former, this results in mental retardation, and in the latter, loss of bowel or bladder control. These are both very rare, however, and are often not officially considered part of the spectrum.
It is still possible for children living with one of these illnesses to live a full life with the aid of medicine, therapy, and proper parental and educational care, despite the severity of the difficulties they face.
Medical practitioners have deemed it necessary to coin this umbrella term in order to ensure that the disorders sharing its core characteristics can be effectively dealt with. This proves especially necessary, since autism is such a complex illness, though it hampers social interaction and ability to adapt in each of its manifestations.
The five disorders in this category are usually called pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). They generally first manifest themselves in early childhood. The disorders share many of the same features, but differ in their intensity. The disorders fitting under the spectrum are classic autism, Asprger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder not Otherwise Specified (which is usually called atypical autism, ) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett syndrome. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett syndrome are extremely rare, though, and are usually not regarded as being part of the spectrum.
The first of these is marked by severe symptoms, usually manifesting themselves in early childhood, and characterized by social impairment in communication and empathy, as well as repetitive behaviour. Speech related problems, as well as problems with play and obsessive repetition of routine is also common. Social cues such as eye contact, gesturing, expressions and vocalizing emotion also present challenges.
Milder symptoms are found in Asperger's Syndrome, which does not impair intelligence and verbal skills. Other social cues, such as eye contact and body language still present difficulty, however.
A more difficult case of defining an illness under the spectrum is found in atypical autism, which does share the symptoms of the other disorders, such as social impairment and obsessive behaviour. However, it is still not considered to qualify for the definition of any of the other spectrum disorders, or of a disorder in the range of schizophrenia. It also has a later age of onset.
Both Rett's disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder are characterized by early loss of motor and linguistic skills. In the case of the former, this results in mental retardation, and in the latter, loss of bowel or bladder control. These are both very rare, however, and are often not officially considered part of the spectrum.
It is still possible for children living with one of these illnesses to live a full life with the aid of medicine, therapy, and proper parental and educational care, despite the severity of the difficulties they face.
About the Author:
Get comprehensive information on The Autism Spectrum now by having a peek at our complete overview at Autism games
0 comments:
Post a Comment