Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a group of
developmental disabilities which affect a person's ability to communicate and
interact with others. It is a developmental disorder that appears in the first
3 years of life. It affects the brain’s typical development of both social and
interaction skills. ASD affects boys more often than girls.
How does this family raise their child with autism?
Causes of
ASD are unknown, although it has been linked to genetic and environmental
factors. For a child to be diagnosed with autism, he must exhibit six or more
of the following symptoms, with at least 2 items from (1) and 1 item from (2)
and (3):
-
Absence
of nonverbal gestures such as eye contact, facial expression, body postures and
gestures to regulate social interaction.
-
Failure
to develop peer relationships.
-
Does
not seek to share enjoyment with others or directing attention to things of
interest.
-
Lack
of social and emotional reciprocity and response.
(2) Impairment in social communication:
-
Delay
or lack of spoken language, not accompanied by non-verbal gestures.
-
For
those who speak, difficulty initiating or sustaining conversation.
-
Stereotype,
repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language.
-
Lack
of varied, spontaneous make-believe play.
(3) Impairment in
Imagination (Flexibility of thought):
-
Preoccupied
with stereotyped or restricted patterns of interest.
-
Inflexible
adherence to specific non-functional routines or rituals.
-
Stereotypes
and repetitive motor mannerisms.
-
Persistent
preoccupation with parts of objects.
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