Autism Spectrum Disorders: Frequently Asked Questions
What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) , which usually begin during early childhood and last throughout a person's life, are a group of developmental disabilities that are caused by unusual brain development. ASDs include Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Asperger Disorder. These three conditions share symptoms, but differ in terms of when the symptoms start, how fast they appear, how severe they are and their exact nature. ...
Source: www.socialskillbuilder.com
Autistic spectrum disorder is an umbrella term for all of the diagnoses that include autistic characteristics. This includes Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett's Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many young children are diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder instead of a subcategory, because symptom intensity and impairment level often change as the child ages. ...
Source: www.parkerautismfoundation.org
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive development disorders that characteristically include communication and social interaction impairment, and repetitive behaviors or interests.
Source: www.kidsterrain.com
How prevalent are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
The US National Institute of Health estimates that one American child in 150 is affected with an ASD, compared with one in 10,000 a decade ago. As many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. The overall incidence is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. It's now estimated that one boy in 94 is diagnosed with autism.
Source: www.socialskillbuilder.com
What is the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
No single cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders has been discovered. It is believed that the difficulties of Autism Spectrum Disorders are biological in origin and that there is abnormality in the brain which is probably caused by a combination of factors. These factors can include genetics, viral infections or complications during pregnancy. Other potential causes such as environmental toxins, diet and the effect of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccinations are also being investigated. ...
Source: www.autismsa.org.au
Can Autism Spectrum Disorders be inherited?
Although most siblings of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder develop normally, it has been estimated that between 2 - 7% of families with one child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have two children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or related difficulties (e.g. language disorder). It has been reported that the incidence of having two children may be as high as 9% but this figure relates to autism only. ...
Source: www.autismsa.org.au
How common are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Although figures for the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders differ from study to study, most research indicates that: autism occurs in approximately 1-2 in every 1,000 people
Asperger syndrome occurs in at least 1 in every 500 people More males are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder than females: There are 4 males diagnosed with autism for each female diagnosed
There are 10 males diagnosed with Asperger syndrome for each female diagnosed. ...
Source: www.autismsa.org.au
How are Autism Spectrum Disorders defined?
ASDs are defined by difficulty in three areas of behaviors: 1) reciprocal social interaction, 2) communication and 3) repetition and insistence on sameness. Exactly how an individual is impacted across these three areas varies greatly. There is no one behavior that is present in all individuals with ASDs or that would rule out ASDs in every person. Many, but not all, individuals with ASD have language delays. Some individuals with ASD, but not all, have lifelong language disorders. ...
Source: www.iancommunity.org
What are common characteristics of autism spectrum disorders?
Difficulty understanding language. Poorly developed social skills and unusual play with toys. Over or under sensitivity to sound, sight, taste, touch, or smell. Repetitive behaviors such as spinning objects or rocking. Certain behaviors exhibited to stimulate the senses, such as switching a light on and off repeatedly or humming loudly. Difficulty with changes to surroundings or routines. Very high levels of activity for long periods of time. Uneven skill development. ...
Source: www.psy.miami.edu
What causes autism spectrum disorders?
The cause of autism is still unknown. Autism spectrum disorders are brain disorders which occur before birth. Current research suggests that they are complex genetic disorders involving a number of genes which, in turn, influence a variety of brain functions. It is not a form of mental illness.
Source: www.nsec.k12.mn.us
While autism research has made great strides in the past decade, the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remain unknown. Family and twin studies lend support to a genetic etiology, and other studies indicate neurobiological differences in the anatomy and function of the brain in individuals with autism. The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and SARRC are currently working to find the cause or causes of ASDs.
Source: www.aboutautism.org
The exact cause of autism spectrum disorders is still not known but research shows that genetic factors are important. In some cases, autism spectrum disorders may also be associated with conditions affecting brain development, such as maternal rubella, tuberous sclerosis and encephalitis.
Source: natureschoicebd.org
The exact causes of autism spectrum disorders are unknown. However, there is widely accepted evidence that there is a hereditary factor to these disorders since they run in families. Certain brain imaging studies have found a number of structural abnormalities in individuals on the autism spectrum that may affect development. Some researchers have posited theories that environmental factors may cause or exacerbate symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. ...
Source: www.apacenter.com
What are autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)?
ASDs are developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary—from gifted to severely challenged. An ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life.
Source: www.cdc.gov
What is the definition of autism spectrum disorders?
The term "autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)" refers to a wide range of developmental disorders and includes five classifications. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, these disorders are usually first diagnosed in early childhood and range from a severe form, called autistic disorder, through pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), to a much milder form, Asperger's syndrome. They also include two rare disorders, Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. ...
Source: www.aboutautism.org
Is there a cure for autism spectrum disorders?
Today, there is no cure for ASDs. It is not possible to "outgrow" an ASD, but it is possible to "overcome" many symptoms of an ASD or at the very least, gain control of difficult behaviors. With time and appropriate interventions, individuals can learn to compensate for deficits with new strengths and skills. There has been, and continues to be, much progress in the treatment of ASDs. At this point in time, no one can predict what a child with autism will be like as an adult. ...
Source: www.aboutautism.org
What is the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
The US National Institute of Health estimates that one American child in 250 is affected with an ASD, compared with one in 10,000 a decade ago. As many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. The overall incidence is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.
Source: www.turningpointtechnology.com
Up to 93 in every 10,000 children born will have some form of autism spectrum disorders. Of the total potential population (93 in 10,000) 59 will require significant assistance for most of their lives. In NSW that translates to some 40,000 individuals. Autism is a disorder of development, which affects as many as 167,400 people in Australia (This is based on incidence figures of 93:10 000, Gillberg, 1997) Autism occurs with equal frequency within all ethnic and socio-economic groups. ...
Source: natureschoicebd.org
How do Autism Spectrum Disorders affect the family?
Having a child with a disability can have a significant effect on parents. Parents may react to the diagnosis in a variety of ways including relief, shock, grief, anger and/or guilt. The upbringing of the child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can place enormous pressure and strain on the parents, brothers, sisters and extended family (e.g. grandparents). As social activities and everyday outings can be extremely difficult, it is important for families to seek out support.
Source: www.autismsa.org.au
Why is there a need for a registry for autism spectrum disorders?
We really do not know how many people in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder. We can say with some certainty, that there are more than the 5 in 10,000 (autism) and 15 in 10,000 (all autism spectrum disorders) that has been reported from the 1970's through 2002. Studies from California suggested a 273% increase from 1987 to 1998. This alarming number drew the attention of the media and of Congress as well. ...
Source: www.marshall.edu
What treatment do you recommend for autism spectrum disorders?
There are not any single treatments for autism spectrum disorders. Eclectic (assorted) strategies in combination provide optimal treatment. Social relationships and interactions are a hallmark of children with autism spectrum disorders. A key starting place is in the area of developing relationships. For example, establishing and sustaining eye contact is essential for the child to benefit from any intervention. ...
Source: drcindyhoard.com
Do children outgrow autism spectrum disorders?
They are life-long. Yet they are not progressive. People with autism spectrum disorders live a normal life span. With appropriate treatment and a nurturing environment, people with autism spectrum disorders show significant growth toward independence.
Source: www.nsec.k12.mn.us
How common are Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?
Approximately 60 in 10,000 (or 6 in 1000) children have ASD. (The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 2005) Website link: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/aic/about/default.htm#common
Source: www.uwindsor.ca
What are Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?
ASD are a group of developmental disorders that includes Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). People with ASD have problems in; · communication (e.g., late or no talking, repeating others’ words and phrases) · social interaction (e.g. weak eye contact, more interest in objects than people) · unusual behaviours, such as intense interests, odd or repetitive ways of moving their body, and routines that they must follow. ...
Source: www.uwindsor.ca
Are Autism Spectrum Disorders associated with other disorders?
Autism Spectrum Disorders are sometimes associated with other disorders that include Fragile X, Tuberous Sclerosis, Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, language disorder, Deficits in Attention, Motor Control, and Perception (DAMP), Attention Deficit Disorder (with and without hyperactivity) and Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). Around 30% of people with autism have epilepsy. Approximately 75% of people with autism have an intellectual disability. ...
Source: www.autismsa.org.au
What is causing the rapidly rising rates of autism spectrum disorders (ASD)?
Research indicates that other factors besides the genetic component are contributing to the rise in increasing occurrences of ASD, such as environmental toxins (e.g., heavy metals such as mercury), which are more prevalent in our current environment than in the past. Those with ASD (or those who are at risk) may be especially vulnerable, as their ability to metabolize and detoxify these exposures can be compromised.
Source: www.autism-society.org
How can an autism spectrum disorders registry help individuals with autism and their families?
Since autism has been thought to be a low incidence condition, funds have not been adequately appropriated to find its cause or treatment. Guesses at the prevalence and incidence of ASD's do not merit the attention of the Federal Government. They need to see data. The ASD Registry data can have an impact at the Federal and State Funding levels for education in public schools, for treatment funding, for adult funding issues and for a variety of other needed services for each individual with an ASD.
Source: www.marshall.edu
Do autism spectrum disorders occur in conjunction with other disabilities?
These disorders can occur by themselves or in association with other neurological disorders such as mental retardation, attention deficit disorder, epilepsy, Tourette Syndrome, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Characteristics of autism spectrum disorders occur on a continuum from mild to severe. Although it is often difficult to distinguish differences in disabilities, it is important to do so. Diagnostic confusion may result in referral to inappropriate and ineffective treatment.
Source: www.nsec.k12.mn.us
What is the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)?
Data from several studies that used the current criteria for diagnosing autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), such as Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disabilities (PDD-NOS), found prevalence rates for ASDs between 2 and 6 per 1,000 individuals. Therefore, it can be summarized that between 1 in 500 (2/1,000) to 1 in 166 children (6/1,000) have an ASD.
Source: www.oswegocountyautism.org
How many people in Nova Scotia have autism spectrum disorders?
A large epidemiological study recently completed in the Montreal are confirms the estimate of 1:160 to 166. This is equivalent to approximately 1 percent of the Canadian population.
Source: www.autismcentre.ns.ca
