Download Introduction to the Autism Spectrum Disorders

Introduction to Autism
January 24, 2006
Pat Mirenda, Ph.D.
University of British Columbia
What is Autism?


Autism is one a group of disorders that
are known, collectively, as the pervasive
developmental disorders (PDDs)
The PDDs constitute the “autism
spectrum,” as described in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV-TR, 2000)
The Autism Spectrum/PDDs





autistic disorder (autism)
Rett’s disorder
childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD)
Asperger’s disorder
pervasive developmental disorder not
otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) or atypical
autism
Demographics



Recent research suggests that ASDs
occur in approximately 1/150 children
(Fombonne, 1999)
4-5 times more prevalent in males
We used to think that most individuals
with autism also had intellectual disability,
but current research suggests that this is
not the case
Causes





NOT caused by emotional abuse or
neglect, or rejection by parents (mothers)
Clear genetic component, with multiple
interacting genes (2-10)
Prenatal central nervous system damage
Neurochemical component
We still don’t understand the cause(s)
enough to prevent or treat it medically
Diagnostic Criteria (2000)


Child must have at least 6/12 possible
symptoms to have autism; fewer
constitutes PDD-NOS
Symptoms must occur across three
categories:



impairments in social interaction
impairments in communication
restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped
patterns of behaviour, interests, or activity
Additional Criteria

Must have delays or abnormal functioning
prior to age 3 in at least one of the
following areas:



social interaction
language used in social communication
symbolic or imaginative play
Temple Grandin, Animal
Scientist, Architect
http://www.grandin.com/
Anthony Crudale,
Marathon Runner
Jessica Park,
Artist (http://www.jessicapark.com)
Tito Mukhopadhyay,
Poet (http://www.cureautismnow.org/tito/)
Individuals with Advanced
Language

Common problems:
 Literal interpretation of others’ language
 Unusual topical interests and speech patterns
 High stress/anxiety in communication
contexts, leading to communication
breakdowns
 Difficulty understanding when to talk, what to
talk about, etc. in conversations