Autism
What is Autism? |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Evaluations |
Treatment |
Contact us What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological disorder that is characterized by delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following language / communication areas: social interactions, language used for social communication, and symbolic or imaginative play.
It is a life-long disability that begins before 3 years of age. Autism occurs in 1 out of 150 individuals - most commonly in boys. Communication and socialization are severely impacted.
Autism falls under the diagnostic heading of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). PDD categories include:
- Autism
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
- Rett's Syndrome
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
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What Causes Autism?
Research is ongoing to discover the cause or causes of autism. Current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. There seems to be a genetic basis to this disorder. Autism is not caused by psychological trauma.
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Symptoms
- Unusual or lack of language development; does not talk or play with others
- Failure to respond to environment
- May react differently to sight, sound, touch, smell, taste and / or movement
- Play is generally not functional; can be repetitive; does not play with others
- Can be overactive or under active; may show aggression; tantrums may occur
- Likes routines; does not like change
- Does not follow a pointing finger or use pointing to communicate
- No or little eye contact
- Lack or limited use of gestures
- May engage in flapping hands, spinning or other repetitive behavior
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What to Expect from a Speech-Language Evaluation
- An evaluation generally takes 1.5 - 2 hours
- Evaluations include testing, play, observation, parent report, case history, oral-motor assessment
- Generally, a hearing evaluation is recommended to rule out a hearing loss
- A report is written and sent to the parent and pediatrician
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Treatment
Early therapy focuses on helping the child learn to communicate and interact with others. Communication may occur through signing, pictures, gestures, words and augmentative devices at the beginning of treatment.
Co-treatment with an occupational therapist and speech pathologist is often recommended. Other services are also often involved since this affects all aspects of the child's development. Early diagnosis and treatment improves progress. Brain changes can occur more easily in young children than in older children.
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When to call the doctor
If your child has been diagnosed with Autism or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and his / her speech is a concern to you, contact the Speech Pathology Department at Cincinnati Children's at 513-636-4341. Ask to speak to a Speech Pathologist on the Autism Team or e-mail speech@cchmc.org.
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Rev. 3/07
