Autism is a spectrum disorder where symptoms and characteristics can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe and in any combination. A high functioning individual with autism might simply seem eccentric, a loner. More severely affected individuals may hardly communicate and prefer to function primarily in "their own world". Most individuals fall in the middle of the spectrum.

No . Names are not being collected. They are not needed to know how many people have this syndrome. We do need to ensure that we do not enter a person twice (if they receive a diagnosis by two or more diagnosticians). We are asking the person reporting to use a designated standard method of coding for the cases that will allow the names to remain confidential.

Autism spectrum disorder (or ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability. The term spectrum disorder is used to describe the group of developmental disorders that includes autism, high functioning autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

There is no fixed age and no fixed way to tell someone that they have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It depends very much on the individual’s age, their level of awareness and their need to know. Telling an individual about the diagnosis is not completed in a single conversation. It is a long-term process and may bring out a variety of responses ranging from denial to relief. Specialised support and counselling may be required to assist the individual and others through this process.

Though the presentation of symptoms with Autism can vary quite a bit, there are specific behaviors necessary for diagnosing it. Impairment in reciprocal social interaction must be present. We often envision a child with Autism as avoiding eye contact or perhaps as using people as they would inanimate objects. Communicative deficits also must be present for an ASD to be diagnosed.

Some people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can perform well in particular areas. Drawing, music, calendar calculation and memory are the most common skills. These savant talents represent a very small percentage of people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This varies considerably and is influenced by cognitive and verbal skills, and by education and management programs. Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder generally grow up to be adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Education, support and advocacy may need to continue throughout adulthood and behaviours and skills can improve and develop over time.

One of the primary difficulties of Autism Spectrum Disorders is developing social relationships and intimacy. The majority of people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder struggle with developing meaningful relationships and may find them very stressful. However, some people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have successful marriages or intimate relationships.

When provided with appropriate support and experiences, many individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are able to live independent lives, while others can live semi-independently, requiring support from their family, specialist services and/or support workers. With suitable intervention programs people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can develop skills that facilitate independence.

Contact your pediatrician and ask for a referral for a possible diagnosis. Most children are diagnosed by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Early intervention is crucial for your child's prognosis. While you are waiting for your appointment you may want to investigate some of the diagnostic tools used to screen for autism, such as the CHAT. A link to a full description of this can be found here. Remember, this is a screen, not a definitive diagnostic tool.

First, remember that there is something you can do. If you are in California, contact your local regional center and start the process to become eligible for services. If your child is over three years old you may also want to contact your local school district for the options they may provide.

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability. The term 'spectrum disorder' is used to describe the group of developmental disorders that includes autism, high functioning autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder ? Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Autism is not a disease, but a neurological disorder, that affects the functioning of the brain. While they often share common features, every person with ASD is unique.

They can be. It depends on how the condition impacts the individuals ability to function in life. A comprehensive assessment of the individuals needs would be needed to know for sure; therefore, a person with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder should be assessed by a pre-admission screening provider. You can schedule an assessment with a pre-admission screener by contacting your local coordination agency. Click here to find a local coordination agency in your area.

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.

A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR, who developed sensory integration theory and therapy, and another well-known occupational therapist, Lorna Jean King, believe that many children with autism also have Sensory Processing Disorder.

There's a lot to know about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD. Here are answers to some of the questions often asked about FASD. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term that describes a range of disabilities that may affect people whose mothers drank alcohol while they were pregnant. The diagnoses of FASD are:

No!, PECS can be used with individuals who have difficulty using speech as their primary mode of communication or who need to augment their speech. The Pyramid Approach to Education is an organized, manageable educational design based on solidly established principles of learning and behavior. It is appropiate for both regular and special education.

ASD children with chronic GI symptoms often have a disorder known as Autistic Enterocolitis. It is extremely painful, and responds well to treatment, but most ASD children can't tell us about it, in part because it's "normal" to them. The only way to diagnose it with certainty is to perform a diagnostic endoscopy and biopsy, in order to inspect the tissue samples under a microscope.

A power spectrum is the distribution of light energy at different wavelengths. This can be viewed as a graph where the vertical axis is energy and the horizontal axis is wavelength.

The entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light

eating disorder is characterized by a destructive relationship with food, an inconsolable depression, a distorted body image, and a pattern of inappropriate behaviours that interfere with normal life.

Yes. First, learn all you can about your illness by reading books, going to lectures and talking to your doctor. Get support from others who also have the illness. The Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association is a good place to look for a support group in your area. In these groups, you can hear how others face the challenges of life and manage their mood and treatment medications. For helpful hints for managing your illness, see Coping With Bipolar Disorder.

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, stands for a broad range of muscle and joint dysfunctions that affect the jaw. TMJ could present itself as a minor clicking or popping that occurs when you open and close your mouth, or as a persistent pain extending into your face, neck, and shoulders, affecting posture and even mobility.

Bipolar disorder (commonly referred to as manic-depression) is a major affective disorder in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme euphoria (mania).

Sleep disorders are characterized by a set of conditions that create a disturbance in the amount, quality, or timing of a person's sleep.

Siblings of persons with the disorder have a 25% chance of carrying the mutations responsible for hereditary hemochromatosis, while children with one affected parent have a 5% chance of being affected. When both parents have the disorder, children have a 100% chance of carrying the hereditary hemochromatosis mutations. However, it is not known what proportion of these affected individuals will develop iron overload during their lifetimes.

autoimmune disorder is any of a number of conditions in which a person's immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues, and the person's immune system produces antibodies to them. An autoimmune disorder is NOT an "immune deficiency". In the case of vitiligo, we believe that the immune system probably sees the person's own pigment cells as foreign bodies, and attacks them, destroying them or weakening them.