Autism spectrum disorders

November 12, 10:53 AMHartford Special Needs Kids ExaminerDanna Mann

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Autism - a brain development disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old.

We have all heard the statistics, 1 in 150 births result in a diagnosis of Autism.  It affects four times as many males as females. There are 67 children that are diagnosed a day.  What happens when it is one of our children who becomes one of these statistics, we panic.  What is autism?  What do we do now?  Can we cure it?

Autism is just one of the five disorders in the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Spectrum.  Aspergers Syndrome (AS), Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).  Each of these is characterized by their own set of symptoms and range from mild to severe.  

Early intervention is key to children with these disorders.  Autism can be recognized and diagnosed by the age of  18 months.  Usually it is first noticed when the child is lacking proper motor and speech skills.   Although Rett Syndrome and CDD are often caught by parents and doctors later around the age of two.  Aspergers can even go undiagnosed well into adulthood. 

Though there is no cure, there are treatments.  With early intervention children can receive behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and special education.  Children are often capable of leading full lives, with minimal restrictions.  

Autism Spectrum Disorders are not more frequent in a specific race, region, or socio-economic status.  Education for parents is crucial so it can be diagnosed  and treated as soon as possible.

In the articles to come I will discuss signs, symptoms and treatments specific to each disorder on the spectrum.  Included will be places for parents to turn to in the Hartford area, such as doctors, charities and support groups.