1. What is Autism?
Autism, or Autistic Disorder, is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder characterized by significant problems in social interaction and communication as well as restrictive or repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities, with onset before 3 years of age. For further information, see www.autism-society.org.
2. What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s Syndrome is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder characterized by marked problems with social interaction and restrictive or repetitive behaviors, interest, or activities. This differs from Autistic Disorder in that there is no significant delay in language development. For further information, see www.Aspergers.org.
3. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism is often referred to as a spectrum disorder meaning that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a variety of combinations, ranging from extremely mild to severe. For further information, see www.autism-society.org.
4. What is Sensory Integration?
Sensory Integration refers to the ability of the central nervous system to take in, sort out, and interrelate sensations received from the environment. These sensations include what we hear, see, taste, and smell, as well as what we feel from our sense of touch, from the pull of gravity, and from moving around. For further information, see www.autism.ca/occther.htm and www.autism.org/si.html
5. What are Social Pragmatics?
Pragmatics are a set of rules concerned with the way language is used, rather than the way it is formed. Pragmatic rules include turn taking; topic initiation, maintenance and closing; eye contact; repair strategies; and the physical proximity of speaker and listener. Pragmatic language is a major area of importance for children with autism. For further information, see www.asha.org
6. How is the diagnosis of autism made?
Although there are currently no medical tests that can diagnosis autism, there are other tests that can help to identify characteristics traits and help differentiate autism from underlying or related disorders. Several screening instruments for autism include CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) and CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers). Some of the signs of autism may include lack of language development, persistent delays in language development, or loss of language skill. For further information, see www.autism-society.org
7. How do I know which type of treatment is appropriate for my child with autism?
Some of the most commonly used treatments include forms of educational intervention such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and TEACCH, vitamin or hormonal therapy, medication, speech and language therapy, dietary interventions, music therapy, sensory integration therapy, Floor Time, and Social Stories. Each individual with autism is different and appropriate treatment should be selected after finding out your child’s unique characteristics and investigation of the available alternatives. Often a multi-disciplinary approach is found to address different aspects of the childs needs. As the child develops, sometimes a change in the treatment may be indicated. For further information, see www.autism-treatments.com
8. What causes autism?
Autism is primarily considered a disorder of relating, and not mental retardation, mental illness, or cognitive impairment. Although it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function, no one knows of a single cause for autism. There are currently a number of theories about cause, such as heredity, vaccines, diet, or premature birth. Children with autism are either born with it or born with the potential to develop it. In many families of children with autism there is a pattern of autism or related disabilities. For further information, see www.autism-society.org
9. Where can I go to find help and treatment for autism?
Some states have a system of Regional Centers, which provide referrals and funding for services such as respite care, social skills, and Floor Time services. The school systems have Individualized Educational Programs (IEP) for children who qualify, where the IEP team in cooperation with the parent provides services and referrals for such treatment as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Adaptive P.E. and Behavior Intervention. For further information, see www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/index.htmlx, www.dds.ca.gov/rc/rclist.cfm, www.cureautismnow.org
10. What is Applied Behavioral Analysis?
Applied Behavioral Analysis is a method of behavioral intervention developed by Ivar Lovaas Ph.D. and Tristam Smith Ph.D. that focuses on skills based on drills involving a Skinnerian (rewards for success) approach. Research evidence supports ABA as an effective intervention for your children with autism. It is also known as behavioral modification or discrete trial training. For further information, see www.shapingbehavior.com
11. What is the Developmental, Individual Difference Relationship-Based Model (DIR/Floor Time)?
DIR is a developmental approach to treating children on the autistic spectrum or having related disorders, by working with the child’s socio-emotional developmental milestones, the individual processing differences, in a relationship-based or socially based manner. It focuses on building six primarily developmental milestones by following the child’s lead to establish socio-emotional engagement, semistructured problem solving, and including sensory-motor play activities designed to facilitate self-regulation. For further information, see www.floortime.org and www.icdl.com
12. What are Social Stories?
Social Stories are stories written from the perspective of a child to teach social skills. The goal of a social story is to share relevant information including where and when a situation takes place, who is involved, what is occurring, and why. They are written in simple language and capture the essence of a social behavior. For further information, see www.thegraycenter.org and www.polyxo.com/socialstories/introduction.html