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| Autism Spectrum Disorder: |
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability considered to be the result of a neurological condition affecting normal brain function, development and social interaction.
It is a lifelong disability and the symptoms are typically seen before the age of 3 years.
Children with ASD show 3 basic impairments:- |
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Social Interaction
They -
- often appear aloof and indifferent to other people, especially other children, although some enjoy certain forms of active physical contact
- passively accept social contact and even show some signs of pleasure, but rarely make a spontaneous approach;
- occasionally approach other people but in an odd, inappropriate, repetitive way, paying little or no attention to the other person's response.
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Social Communication
They -
- Do not appreciate the social purpose and pleasure of communication. This is true even of those with a higher level of speech, which they use to talk 'at' others and not 'with' them.
- Do not understand that language is a tool for conveying information to others. They may be able to ask for their own needs, but find it hard to talk about feelings or thoughts. They do not understand the emotions, ideas and beliefs of others.
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Imagination
They -
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Repetitive Behavior
Along with the above impairments, they usually show repetitive behavior. At a simple level, this might involve repeatedly flicking their fingers or an object like a piece of string. More complex signs may include an insistence on following an identical route to certain places, a lengthy bedtime ritual or the repetition of a sequence of odd, bodily movements.
They may also form an intense attachment to particular objects for no apparent reason, arrange objects in lines or patterns, collect things like pebbles or plastic bottles without apparent regard to their intended purpose. They may become fascinated by certain topics, such as electricity, astronomy, birds or train timetables; or even specific people; asking the same series of questions and demanding standard answers. While some of these patterns of behaviour are recognisable features of normal development, it is the intensity and frequency, combined with a disregard for the normal purpose of activities, that suggest a pervasive developmental disorder. |
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Challenging Behavior
They may also demonstrate challenging behavior such as running away, screaming, biting or kicking other people, grabbing things off counters in shops, socially unacceptable habits or making naive and embarrassing remarks.
Special Skills
About 10% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders have some special skill at a much higher level than the rest of their abilities; like music, art, numerical calculations or jigsaw puzzles. Some have a remarkable memory for dates and things that particularly interest them.
Causes
Presently there is no known cause for Autism. However most experts say that autism is probably caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
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Intervention
Children with Autism can make significant progress if the intervention is appropriate and consistent. Early intervention, before the age of 5, is especially crucial to progress. This is why an early and accurate diagnosis is important. |
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