Autism Spectrum Disorders

The terms Autism and Asperger Syndrome have become well known thanks to increased media exposure in recent years. Both of these disorders are part of the group of disabilities known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A related disorder is Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).

Austism Spectrum Disorders affect a person’s communication, social skills and behavior. A child with ASD often has particular sensory needs (e.g. reactions to certain sounds or touch) and repetitive behaviours (including rocking or flapping).Every person with autism is different. All will have problems with communication and social skills but not in the same way. Autism is a spectrum disorder because it can cause mild problems, severe problems, or something in between.

People with autism may focus on one topic, like trains or a television show. They may have some behaviors that they do over and over, like flipping objects or smelling things. They may not like changes in their schedule or changes in the food they eat. Some may talk well but not be able to make friends. Others may not talk at all.

Your child may have trouble understanding, talking, reading, or writing. You might notice that he has stopped saying words that he used to say. Your child may have problems:

• Understanding and using gestures, like pointing or waving.

• Following directions.

• Understanding and using words.

• Having conversations.