Some Basics of ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is it?

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with other people. ASD causes problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term "spectrum" in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity of symptoms.

Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions previously considered separate — 

• Autism
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder 
• Unspecified form of Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Development

Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually leads to problems functioning in society and socially. Oftentimes children show symptoms of autism within their first year. A small number appear to develop normally in the first year, and then go through a period of regression around 18-24 months of age when symptoms are exhibited.

Social communication and interaction

A person with autism spectrum disorder may experience difficulties with social interaction and communication skills, including the following:

• Does not respond to his or her name or appears not to hear you at times
• Resists cuddling, hugs, and holding; seems to prefer playing alone, retreating into his or her own world
• Poor eye contact and lacks facial expression
• Nonverbal or delayed speech, or loses previous ability to say words or sentences
• Can't start a conversation or keep one going, or only converses to make requests or label items
• Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm and may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
• Repeats words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them
• Doesn't appear to understand simple questions or directions
• Doesn't express emotions or feelings and appears unaware of others' feelings
• Doesn't point at or bring objects to share interest
• Inappropriately approaches a social interaction by being passive, aggressive or disruptive
• Has difficulty recognizing nonverbal cues, i.e. Interpreting other's facial expressions, postures or tone of voice

Patterns of behavior

A person with autism spectrum disorder may have limited, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities; such as:

• Repetitive movements: rocking, spinning or hand flapping
• Participates in activities that could cause self-harm, such as biting or head-banging
• Has specific routines or rituals and is sensitive to change 
• Difficulty with coordination or odd movement patterns, such as clumsiness or walking on toes, and has odd, stiff or exaggerated body language
• Is fascinated by details, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, but doesn't understand the overall purpose or function of the object
• Unusually sensitive to light, sound or touch, yet may be indifferent to pain or temperature
• Doesn't engage in imitative or make-believe play
• Obsession with an object or activity with abnormal intensity or focus
• Specific food preferences, such as eating only a few foods, or refusing foods with a certain texture

For more in-depth information, visit the Mayo Clinic.

Prognosis

Early intervention is key. While there is no cure, there are a variety of treatments and therapies available. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder is unique to the individual in severity and level of functioning. Some people with autism spectrum disorder are highly intelligent and high functioning; while others may be lower functioning. 

While I do not have personal experience with Autism: I can tell you the Valedictorian of my graduating high school class was on the Autism Spectrum.