What is Autism?
Autism is part of a spectrum of disorders known as the ASD spectrum, which also includes Asperger's Syndrome. It is a spectrum because the way that individuals are affected varies greatly from one person to the next. However, all individuals on the ASD spectrum show significant impairments in three specific areas - the triad of impairments - as they are often described:
Triad of Impairments
difficulties with social communication difficulties with social interaction difficulties with restricted behaviour, activities, and interests
Autism ~ Basics
How to recognise Autism
Every person with Autism will be affected differently. No two individuals will show an identical pattern of behaviours or abilities. As mentioned above, they will, however, show impairments in three areas:
1.) Impairments in communication
People with Autism have difficulties with verbal, and non-verbal communication. This makes it very hard for them to interpret and understand; facial expressions, tone of voice, jokes, and sarcasm. Also, many higher functioning autistics will demonstarte a very literal understanding of language, and find it hard to interpret common phrases.
2.) Impairments in interaction
Autism makes it very difficult to recognise and understand other people's emotions. People with Autism will also have great difficulty expressing or regulating their own emotions and feelings. This impairment makes it difficult to understand social norms - rules that the general population pick up instinctively such as allowing another person personal space when talking to them, spending time alone rather than seeking out interaction, not seeking comfort from others, not offering comfort when others are upset.
3.) Difficulties with restricted behaviours
This area is grounded in an impairment in social immagination. Difficulties with social immagination make it very hard for people to; predict what could or might happen next, develop a sense of danger, prepare for change, plan for future events, cope with new or unfamiliar situations, and engage in imaginary play or activities - leading to a preference to engage with the same sequence of events over and over.
Behavioural manifestations
The impairments discussed above can lead to the development of behavioural patterns that make it very difficult for the person with Autism to 'fit' into the community around them. Fixed daily routines often develop as the person tries to establish some control over, and understanding of, their environment. Sensory sensitivities can develop in any of the five senses - sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch. This can cause autistic people to be oversensitive (hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hypo-sensitive) to sounds, patterns, colours and other environmental stimuli, creating anxiety, under-developed sense of danger, seemingly bizzarre behaviours such as spinning, rocking, or flapping their hands as they try to stimulate some sensation. Other challenging behaviours which develop can include self-injurious behaviour and aggression which can both present enourmous challenges for families and other people supporting the individual.
Causes of Autism
Our present theories of autism are inadequate and incomplete. One problem is that autism is not a single entity. Different causes and neurological dysfunctions are responsible for this disability in different people. As our sophistication and understanding of brain functioning increases, we can expect that the neurological theories will be more fully developed.
However, Autism is certainly not caused by social circumstances or upbringing, and nor is it the fault of the individual themselves. Research currently indicates that it is probably a combination of genetic and environmental influences on brain development.
For some time now family and twin studies have indicated a genetic influence on Autism. It may well be that the autism spectrum disorders have environmental as well as genetic influences, but if we are able to detail the genetics, we may be better placed to diagnose, treat, and even prevent autism.
A study published in the journal Science April 2009 may have edged us one step closer to such an understanding.
Funded jointly by Autism Speaks and the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the study has seen researchers from 19 nations collaborate over a 5-year period to explore the complicated genetic landscape of Autism. 1,168 families with at least two children with autism were involved in the study.
The findings of the study seem to implicate numerous genetic causes. More specifically, a set of six genes - all linked to early brain development - were identified. The identified genes are vital to the development of synapses (neural connections) during the developmental period in the first year of life where experience is shaping a child’s learning. It is hypothesised that in individuals with autism, some of these genes appear to be ’switched off’ by mutations in surrounding DNA.
So rather than having ‘missing’ genes, mutations are responsible for deactivating genes important for synapse development. This discovery could have a major impact on future treatmets for autism, with the possibility of developing medications that could reactivate, or ’switch on’, the genes.
Interventions for Autism
Although autism is a severely handicapping condition, and as yet we do not have a clear picture of it's underlying causes, outcomes for autistic people are improving as more effective interventions and more appropriate community resources are developed. Most autistic people have a normal life span, so if they are to achieve their potential there is a compelling need for more community- based, cost effective resources.
There are many useful approaches to supporting individuals with Autism, such as behavioural interventions including Applied Behaviour Anlayis, dietary interventions and supplements, medical intervention, physiological intervention, social skills programmes.
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?
ABA is a behavioural teaching approach that develops an understanding of a person's behaviour by considering the function, or need, that the person is trying to communicate by engaging in the behaviour. based on the needs of each individual, an ABA programme looks to teach skills wherever there are deficits in order to bring about socially important behavioural change - to encourage more socially appropriate behaviours.
Over the past decade, ABA has become the intervention/treatment of choice for children with Autism. For a more detailed look at ABA - how and why it works, click here.