Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. ASDs include Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. These conditions all present with similar symptoms that differ to some degree in terms of the nature of their onset and symptom severity. The three conditions, along with Rett’s Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder make up the broad diagnosis category of ASD. Although prevalence rates vary, the most recent survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 2–6 per 1,000 (from 1 in 500 to 1 in 150) children have been diagnosed with an ASD. ASD is up to four times more common in boys than girls, and affects in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. ASD can typically be reliably diagnosed by the age of 3, and often as early as 18 months. The appearance of any of the warning signs of ASD is reason to have a child evaluated by a professional specializing in these disorders, as early intervention is the key to improving outcome.

Possible Indicators of ASD Include:

• Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by one year
• Does not speak one word by 16 months of age
• Does not combine 2 words by 2 years of age
• Does not respond to his/her own name, or smile in response to others
• Loses language or social skills previously acquired
• Poor eye contact
• Plays with toys in an atypical way (i.e., focuses on parts)
• Excessively lines up toys or other objects
• Is overly attached to one particular toy or object
• Has difficulty establishing and/or maintaining peer relationships
• Becomes particularly distressed in novel situations and/or about changes in routine
• Frequently repeats lines from movies or television shows

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