what is autistic spectrum disorder?
The term autistic spectrum disorder is an umbrella term used to describe a group of developmental disorders including autism and Asperger Syndrome that are defined by the following characteristics:
Communication – problems with speech, gestures, facial expressions, body language.
Social Interactions – problems with relationships, lack of empathy and understanding, inappropriate eye contact, poor social skills.
Flexibility of Thought – rigidity and inflexibility, resistant to change, obsessional and ritualistic behaviours.
These three difficulties are known as the Triad of Impairment.
An autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) compromises childhood, and has a catastrophic effect on everyday life. It impairs effective communication with and understanding of others, social ability and flexibility, and sets apart those with ASD from their more normal peers. It also gives rise to high levels of anxiety.
Living or working with someone with ASD is likely to be confusing, difficult, stressful and challenging. The fact that you are reading this suggests that you have been experiencing just this impact either in your family, circle of friends, or at work or in training. If life is difficult for people living and working near those with ASD, then the first thing to remember is that it is doubly difficult for those individuals with the condition itself.
People with ASD cannot easily behave in a typically ‘more normal’ way, and their autistic patterns of behaviour can often cause them to behave in an emotional and challenging way through sheer frustration with situations and with other people.
The impairment may vary in degree, just as each individual is also different. However, the common problems associated with the Triad can be observed within every variation of ASD, and these problems show themselves by becoming a pervasive feature of an individual’s performance in all situations. In most cases of ASD a delay in development becomes apparent during the pre school years.
In many cases parents notice a difference between their child and others.
Asperger Syndrome
Asperger Syndrome is a disorder that affects the way a person relates to others and communicates with them. Central features include difficulties with communication (although they speak fluently), social relationships and flexibility of thinking.
Those with AS have average or above average intelligence. The disorders are diagnosed on the basis of behaviour and behavioural features and not on the presence of any associated medical conditions or a level of intellect, although there may be additional medical issues needing attention. It is the behaviour of the individual that is abnormal, in relation to the chronological age.
It is important to recognise that all normal children have passed through the stages and phases of the behaviour those with ASD invariably show us.
The difference is that those with ASD may continue to exhibit behaviour that others, on passing a certain age, cease.
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