Autism

What is Autistic Disorder?

Autistic Disorder is characterized by impairments in three domain areas:

1. Social interaction;
2. Communication;
3. restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.

Diagnostic Criteria

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR) indicates the individual must meet the following criteria in order to receive the diagnosis of Autistic Disorder:

1. Behavioral Criteria
2. Time Parameter - Manifestations must be before the age of 3
3. Exclusion criteria - The behavioral disturbance is not accounted for by another disorder/syndrome.

Clinical Features

The following are some of the behavioral manifestations that are present with individuals with Autistic Disorder:

Social Features:

• Lack of awareness of others
• Using others as tools
• Inability to seek/maintain peer friendships
• Impairment in initiating/ sustaining a conversation

Communication:

• Language and speech impairments
• Abnormalities in the form or content of speech
• May have high pitched or monotone speech

Repetitive, stereotyped, restricted behaviors:

• Repetitive body movements
• Preoccupation with objects
• Marked distress or resistance to changes; difficulty with transitions

Cognitive Development:

• Cognitive abilities can range from Moderate MR (IQ35-49) to average to high average of intelligence
• Difficult with abstract thinking
• May have surprisingly good musical, mathematical, or visual-spatial abilities, despite profound deficits in other areas

Motor behavioral Abnormalities:

• Poor fine/gross motor coordination
• Add gait or mannerisms

Altered Sensitivity to Sensory Input:

• Over-sensitivity/insensitivity to sensations

Abnormalities of Mood:

• Inappropriate affect/no emotional response
• Lack of fear of real dangers

Abnormalities in Eating, Drinking and Sleeping Patterns

Self-injurious Behaviors

ETIOLOGY

Although a single specific cause is not known yet, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain.

Intervention: Treatment and Management

The experience on interventions show that individuals with Autistic Disorder respond well to a highly structured, specialized educational program, tailored to individual needs. These individuals tend to do best in an organized environment where rules and expectations are clear and consistent.

Services Available

• Behavior Modification
• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
• Special Education Services
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Sensory Integration Therapy
• Occupational Therapy & Skills for Independent Living
• Day Treatment Programs and Residential Placement
• Psychotherapy

How we address the needs of these consumers

• We assist the consumer in identifying social issues and how to properly address them
• We employ role-playing to help them understand appropriate social interactions
• We instruct them on proper etiquette
• We integrate the consumers into the community