Exploring Autism

Exploring Autism Autism was first described by Leo Kanner in 1943 and is known to

affect 1 in 500 Americans with boys being four times more likely to

have autism than girls. Although the focus of research is on

children, there are many adults who are living with autism. Research

on Autism is relatively new, as in the past those with autism were

grouped into the broad category of mental retardation. Autism falls

under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, PDD, which

also includes Asperger’s Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood

Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD not otherwise specified (atypical

autism). These disorders all differ from each other and within

themselves differ in severity and level of functioning. Autism is a

Spectrum Disorder which indicates that its symptoms can present

themselves in various combinations which may range from mild to

severe. It is extremely difficult to define a standard autistic

person several terms, which also vary in severity, characterize the

person. The general terms that describe an autistic individual

include: autistic-like, autism spectrum, autistic tendencies,

high-functioning, and low-functioning. There are also autistics that

have extraordinary capabilities such as Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man.

The basic criteria for autism include: 1) early onset (before 3-5

years of age) 2) abnormal responses to sensory stimuli 3)

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...ng to IQ measurements, there

are approximately one-third who do not fall into the category of

mental retardation. The expression of autistic behavior in mild

autism may be in the form of a lack of ability to make friends, yet

they are still able to relate to people. It also manifests itself in

a way that causes the person to have difficulty initiating or carrying

on a conversation, yet they may be able to go into detail on a single

topic. Even though the person seems to be less severe, they still

have moderate difficulty when it comes to speaking and responding to

others, with misinterpretation of a social gesture being common. It

is characteristic of those with autism from mild to severe to have

restricted interests which limits their ability to relate socially

leading them to depend on their autistic mannerisms.