According to Autism Speaks:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art. (2016)
Autism exists on a spectrum. People with extreme forms of autism may have a troubling time with everyday activities that significantly hinders the kinds of things they do as an adult, while people …show more content…
Parents are usually the first to notice strange behaviors in their child. In some cases, the baby seemed “different” from birth, unresponsive to people or focusing intently on one item for long periods of time. The first signs of an ASD can also appear in children who seem to have been developing normally. When an engaging, babbling toddler suddenly becomes quiet, withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social introductions, something is not right. There are two criteria spectrums for symptoms of Autism. Criteria A symptoms focus more on the communication deficits and Criteria B symptoms focus on the abnormal behaviors. Children with Criteria A Symptoms display deficits in both verbal and nonverbal communication. Failure or difficulty engaging emotionally with others is a telltale symptom of autism. Children generally have trouble understanding the delicacy of conversation, showing empathy for the emotion of others, making eye contact, and in conveying their own thoughts and feelings. Severity of these deficits can range from problems comprehending body language in conversation, to lack of attempts to initiate or respond to social interaction altogether. Also common in children with Autism is they often have difficulty adjusting behavior and facial expressions to meet specific social circumstances. Deficits vary in severity, from complete lack of speech to straightforward …show more content…
Stereotyped movements or behaviors with objects can involve hand flapping, finger flicking, coin spinning, lining up objects, and other repeated actions. Stereotyped phrases or words are also common, such as parroting others’ speech.
Rigidity involves insistent adherence to specific daily routines, methods, or rules, as well as resistance to change. For example, a child may insist on a certain way to open a package of food, and may be very upset if disrupted or if the packaging of the item itself has changed. Excessive adherence is often accompanied by narrowed fixation for certain interests or objects. For example, a child may prefer to play solely with a household pan or a single toy over all other objects. Narrowed focus on certain activities and restrictive food intake are also
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art. (2016)
Autism exists on a spectrum. People with extreme forms of autism may have a troubling time with everyday activities that significantly hinders the kinds of things they do as an adult, while people …show more content…
Parents are usually the first to notice strange behaviors in their child. In some cases, the baby seemed “different” from birth, unresponsive to people or focusing intently on one item for long periods of time. The first signs of an ASD can also appear in children who seem to have been developing normally. When an engaging, babbling toddler suddenly becomes quiet, withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social introductions, something is not right. There are two criteria spectrums for symptoms of Autism. Criteria A symptoms focus more on the communication deficits and Criteria B symptoms focus on the abnormal behaviors. Children with Criteria A Symptoms display deficits in both verbal and nonverbal communication. Failure or difficulty engaging emotionally with others is a telltale symptom of autism. Children generally have trouble understanding the delicacy of conversation, showing empathy for the emotion of others, making eye contact, and in conveying their own thoughts and feelings. Severity of these deficits can range from problems comprehending body language in conversation, to lack of attempts to initiate or respond to social interaction altogether. Also common in children with Autism is they often have difficulty adjusting behavior and facial expressions to meet specific social circumstances. Deficits vary in severity, from complete lack of speech to straightforward …show more content…
Stereotyped movements or behaviors with objects can involve hand flapping, finger flicking, coin spinning, lining up objects, and other repeated actions. Stereotyped phrases or words are also common, such as parroting others’ speech.
Rigidity involves insistent adherence to specific daily routines, methods, or rules, as well as resistance to change. For example, a child may insist on a certain way to open a package of food, and may be very upset if disrupted or if the packaging of the item itself has changed. Excessive adherence is often accompanied by narrowed fixation for certain interests or objects. For example, a child may prefer to play solely with a household pan or a single toy over all other objects. Narrowed focus on certain activities and restrictive food intake are also