Autism Spectrum Disorders
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed in 1 in 150 children (CDC, 2009). Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by a range of deficits in communication and social skills. ASD is typically diagnosed in children after the age of 3 years, however, obtaining an accurate diagnosis presents a significant challenge to parents, health professionals and educators. Autism Spectrum Disorders can range from mild to severe deficits and can accompany other developmental disorders. This can further complicate obtaining an accurate and specific diagnosis. There are no medical tests used to diagnose ASD, and diagnosis is based on the behaviors exhibited by the child. Symptoms and behaviors typically exhibited by individuals with ASD can include the following: - • Not play "pretend" games (for example, pretend to "feed" a doll).
• Not point at objects to show interest (for example, point at an airplane flying over).
• Not look at objects when another person points at the object• Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone.
• Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to
• Appear to be unaware when other people talk to them, but respond to other sounds
• Be very interested in people, but not know how to talk to, play with, or relate to them
• Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia)
• Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
• Repeat actions over and over again
• Have trouble adapting to changes in routine
• Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
• Lose skills they once had (for instance, stop using words that the child was previously using)
(CDC, 2009)
Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/states/ADDMCommunityReport2009.pdf
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