Frequently Asked Questions

About Autism

What is autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that interferes with the normal development of the brain and affects a person’s ability to communicate, understand language, socialize and interact with others. The term autism was coined by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943 and included specific characteristics that had to be present for the diagnosis to be considered. Children or adults with autism may exhibit repeated body movements such as hand flapping and rocking, self-injurious behaviors, aggressive behaviors, resistance to change, and other self-stimulatory behaviors.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
In more recent years the definition of autism was broadened and the new terminology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) became increasingly popular. ASD can include individuals who met Kanner’s classical criteria for autism as well as the following diagnoses and classifications:

• Pervasive Developmental Disorder: refers to a collection of features typical of those behaviors associated with autism, but are usually not as severe or extensive.

• Rett’s Syndrome: refers to a genetic disorder affecting only girls that behaviorally resembles characteristics of autism and is usually accompanied by seizures.

• Asperger Syndrome: refers to individuals with the characteristics of autism but with relatively intact language skills. These individuals display difficulties in the subtleties of communication and socialization and are usually of normal or above normal intelligence.

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: refers to individuals whose development appears normal for the first several years of life, but regresses with the loss of speech and the increased display of characteristics of autism.

Although there is a distinction between autism and ASD, the terms are often used interchangeably. Further, the recommended educational and behavioral interventions are often similar. Autism often occurs concurrently with some level of mental retardation.

What is the prevalence of Autism or ASD?
It is estimated that 400,000 people in the U.S. today have some form of autism. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and crosses over all racial, ethnic and economic boundaries.

What are the Characteristics of Autism?
Autism is a spectrum disorder where the level of developmental delay is unique to each person. Symptoms of autism can range from mild to severe and other conditions can be present that affect the needs and subsequent education and treatment for each individual. People with autism process and respond to information differently. In some cases they communicate behaviorally and it becomes a process of interpreting those behaviors to understand what is being communicated. All people with autism are not alike and each person has a unique blend of strengths, aptitudes and needs. It is a myth that all people with autism do not display emotions or do not cuddle or become attached to other significant people in their lives. While some may not, most people are easy to become attached to.

Many of the behaviors that are exhibited also interfere with learning and need specialized, consistent attention and structure. Some of those behaviors might include:
• Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
• Prefers to be alone
• Tantrums
• Inability to communicate needs appropriately
• Spinning, rocking and other self-stimulatory behavior
• Aggression which can include biting, hair pulling, grabbing, hitting, kicking, etc.
• Self abusive behaviors which can include head banging, eye-poking, scratching oneself, slapping
• Lack of safety skills and the perception of danger
• Over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
• Little or no eye contact

How can I learn more about autism?
There is an abundance of organizations that are helpful to people seeking additional information. Check with your local city or town to see if there are local resources available. In addition, the following organizations and web sites may be useful.
http://www.autism-resources.com

• Autism Research Institute
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
www.autism.com/ari

• Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 650
Bethesda, MD 20814-3015
301.657.0881
http://www.autism-society.org

• Cure Autism Now
5225 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 503
Los Angeles, CA 90036
CAN@primenet.com

• Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Plenum Publishing Corporation
227 W. 17th Street
New York, NY 10011

• Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions
PRO-ED
8700 Shoal Creek Blvd.
Austin, TX 78757-6897


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