Autism is a neurological disorder that significantly impairs how a person gathers and processes information, causing problems in communication and social skills. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (IV edition) identifies the conditions that must be present for a person to be diagnosed with autism. These include:
Social interactions
- Problems with non-verbal behaviors
- No peer relationships
- Not seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievements
- Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
Communication
- Delay or lack of speech
- Impaired initiation or sustained conversations
- Repetitive speech or unusual language
- Lack of make-believe or social imitative play
Behaviors, interests and activities
- Preoccupied with stereotyped and restricted interests
- Nonfunctional routines
- Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms
- Preoccupied with parts of objects
What autism is NOT:
Autism has frequently been misunderstood. Autism is NOT mental retardation. Many people with autism may also fit the definition of mental retardation – perhaps up to 70%. In these situations The Homestead’s philosophy is to treat autism as the primary diagnosis because it so greatly influences how a person views their world.
Autism is NOT caused by poor parenting. For too many years parents were unfairly led to believe their parenting style caused their child’s autism. We know today that these perceptions were unfair and suspect the cause of autism lies in genetic-based neurological problems.
Autism is NOT laziness. Problems understanding and formulating communication, poor social skills and unusual sensory activities are often the root of the behaviors some may perceive as lazy. Therefore it is important that we not dismiss a person’s ability to complete a task or participate in an activity because of a lack of "motivation".
Strengths:
Much is said about the special needs of a person with autism but individuals with this diagnosis often posses the following strengths:
- Enjoys special interests
- Strong rote memory
- Good visual-spatial processes
- Strong visual memories
Uniqueness:
Most importantly it is critical that individuals with autism be perceived as individuals. As a spectrum disorder, autism influences people at varying degrees and in many different ways. Two people with the same diagnosis may posses very different skills, needs or interests.
Frequency:
Traditional autism is only seen in about 1 in 2,000. Autism is a spectrum disorder so many of the characteristics of autism can be found in varying degrees in many people beyond those diagnosed with autism. Pervasive Developmental Disorders or PDD includes individuals who display some but not all the conditions of autism. The frequency of PDD may be as high as 1 in 500.Feel free to contact The Homestead if you have any questions or concerns about autism. We are here to help!
