Autistic spectrum

From Autism Wiki

The autism spectrum (also referred to as the autistic spectrum) is a developmental and behavioral syndrome that results from combinations of characteristically autistic traits, including impairments to social interaction, communication, interests, imagination and activities.

Although these traits may be normally distributed in the population, some individuals manifest more autistic traits. At the severe end of the spectrum is low-functioning autism, which has profound impairments in many areas, to Asperger's syndrome and high-functioning autism, to "normal" behavior and perhaps hypersocialization on the high end of the spectrum.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are classified as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), as opposed to "specific developmental disorders" like dyslexia or dysgraphia.

Contents 1 Autistic traits 1.1 Social impairment 1.2 Language impairment 1.3 Imaginative impairment and repetitive adherence 1.4 Sensory integration dysfunction 2 External links

[edit] Autistic traits

Behaviorally, certain characteristics identify the autism spectrum. The number of autistic traits present determines the severity of autism in the individual. These autistic traits may be beneficial for some disciplines like science, mathematics, engineering, and software. Some autistic individuals might show a marked proficiency in rote memorization which may help learn the foundation of these subjects; however, the exceptionally good aptitude (in these subjects) of high functioning autistic people may be due to their ability to readily identify patterns and apply them consistently to new situations outside of established knowledge or teaching.

[edit] Social impairment

• Lack of observed desire for friendship
• Poor ability to make friends
• Indifferent to the feelings of others
• Social awkwardness
• Indiscriminate social interaction
• Lack of eye contact
• Brief response to questions
• Gullibility

[edit] Language impairment

• Odd or monotonous prosody of speech
• Overly formal and pedantic language
• Echolalia
• Pronoun reversal
• Picture thinking sometimes preferred
• Use of rote chunks of language
• Late or no development of language
• Difficulty or inability to translate thoughts into words
• Poor use and understanding of nonverbal communication (i.e., facial expressions and body language)
• Taking things literally
• Delayed reaction to being questioned

[edit] Imaginative impairment and repetitive adherence

• Concrete and literal use of language
• Poor understanding of abstract thought, metaphors and symbolism
• Preference for routine
• Absorption in detail; inability to understand meaning or the whole of a concept
• Perseverative interest or focus

[edit] Sensory integration dysfunction

• Hyper- or hyposensitivity of the various senses
• Peculiar clothing and food preferences
• Self-stimulating mannerisms
• Fine or gross motor discoordination

[edit] External links

• CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign - Information for parents on early childhood development and developmental disabilities such as autism
• Fact sheets on Autism & Asperger's: diagnosis, interventions, causes & behavior management
• Wrong Planet - A web community for those on the autism spectrum with an emphasis on support and advocacy.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
• Diagnosis, Education Advice, and Health Issues
• Weird Not Stupid - A website created from the perspective of a person who has two siblings who are on the Autism Spectrum with the goal of giving information to anybody who is seeking it.
• Autism Key - Established by and for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Offers research, support, news & media links and message boards.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders from ScienceDaily - Latest research news on autism spectrum disorders. Includes searchable archives.