Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) What are Autism Spectrum Disorders? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs), cause severe and pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. These disorders are usually first diagnosed in early childhood and range from a severe form, called autistic disorder, through pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), to a much milder form, Asperger syndrome. They also include two rare disorders, Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.
Signs & Symptoms Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child. In some cases, the baby seemed "different" from birth, unresponsive to people or focusing intently on one item for long periods of time. The first signs of an autism spectrum disorder can also appear in children who had been developing normally. When an affectionate, babbling toddler suddenly becomes silent, withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social overtures, something is wrong.
Treatment There is no single best treatment package for all children with ASD. Decisions about the best treatment, or combination of treatments, should be made by the parents with the assistance of a trusted expert diagnostic team.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Difficulty with Social Relationships People with Asperger's Syndrome try hard to be sociable and do not dislike human contact. However, they still find it difficult to understand social etiquette and non-verbal signals, including facial expressions.

Difficulty with Communication Language development in a child may be delayed. Conversely they may speak fluently but may not notice the reaction of people listening to them or they may appear insensitive to the listener’s feelings. Despite good verbal skills they may sound over-precise or may interpret words too literally, e.g., "Hop Into Bed", "Raining Cats and Dogs". Lack of Social Imaginative Play Most children enjoy games where they pretend to be different characters such as Doctors and Nurses.

 Asperger's Syndrome children hardly ever play like this preferring repetitive actions on their own. For example they may enjoy arranging objects in lines or patterns. Motor Clumsiness They often appear clumsy and have poor coordination e.g., poor ball skills. Sensory Sensitivity Asperger's Syndrome people may have an exaggerated response to sensory stimuli and all five senses are affected. They may also have a high tolerance of pain. Special Interests and Routines Many people with Asperger's Syndrome may develop an obsessive interest in a hobby. They may memorise facts on a specific topic e.g., bus and train timetables. However, with encouragement, interests can be developed to suit study subjects and employment.

Asperger's people also prefer routine and structure in their lives. They can be very disturbed by changes in their daily routine, e.g., like a new bus timetable, or using a different route to school. The Importance of Early Diagnosis The future of people with Asperger's Syndrome is improving, especially where there is appropriate early intervention, practical and emotional support and understanding. Vulnerability People with Asperger's Syndrome are more vulnerable to teasing and bullying which causes them to react in a socially inappropriate manner. As adults they are more prone to exploitation and are often considered eccentric or peculiar. Other Common Features Difficulty seeing the consequences of their actions, or putting things into context. This seems to be linked to the fact that individuals with Asperger's Syndrome can be particularly good at focusing on detail. Seeing ‘the bigger picture’ requires flexible, hypothetical thinking, and often an understanding of how people affect and influence each other. People with Asperger's Syndrome have great difficulty thinking in this manner.

Planning/Time Management again requires the ability to think hypothetically and predict consequences.

People with Asperger's Syndrome often have a normal or high IQ and so are able to articulate how their disability affects them. A comparison often used by them is that of feeling like they are from another planet – feeling alien to the culture of the society in which they live, because so many important rules are meaningless to them.

It should be noted that all of these so-called ‘Asperger's traits’ are generalisations: people with the condition vary enormously, and because individuals become so adept at concealing or overcoming their problems, some traits will not be apparent, others will be non-existent.

The effects of Asperger's Syndrome can be devastating – without the natural ability and tendency to conform and be accepted, individuals can find themselves unable to get employment, friends, or relationships. They can find themselves isolated and struggling to cope with the confusion and stress they experience with even the simplest day-to-day activities, such as deciding what to wear or getting on a bus.

With the right support and a tolerant environment, Asperger's Syndrome is not a life sentence, but rather a different outlook on the world, which can prove both refreshing and valuable. Honesty, reliability, dedication, determination; all these are traits that are associated with the condition.

Many people show an aptitude in scientific, technical, computer or mathematical subjects, because of their logical and factual nature. Moreover, Asperger's Syndrome has been described as a form of genius, because the tendency for individuals to develop and nurture their ‘special interests’ can result in great achievement. If you suspect that you or someone close to you may have the condition, bear this in mind: many of their difficulties are caused by lack of understanding. Once they, and those around them, understand the condition and its effects, support and help can be provided. The person can then concentrate on controlling the negative aspects of the condition and making the most of the positive, and this is why a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome is good news for many people.Thanks to the above info from http://www.asperger.asn.au/what_is.htm