Autism (Pervasive Developmental Disorder)
Autism is commonly diagnosed in infants and in young children and is observed
as a noticeable inability to interact with their environment as specified
in the DSM-IV (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
Fourth Edition).
A child who suffers from Autism will display symptoms of impaired social
interaction and will use eye to eye gaze, facial expression, body postures
and gestures to interact socially instead of verbal communication. Due to
this they are unable to develop relationships with peers and do not seek
to share their interests and achievements with other people. They do not
show emotion when interacting or display normal social behavior as you may
see children of the same age display.
Children with autism will have developmental delays including a delay in
their speech; they are unable to sustain a conversation with others. Their
speech is also noticeably odd or unusual and may repeat specific works or
phrases.
Autism is also characterized by their inability to play, they do not play
make believe or imitate life experiences through play, pretending to be a
police officer, play house, pretending to be an animal or other play activities.
Their play will often fixate on one sound or object for a period of time
or be preoccupied by parts of toys or other objects like repeatedly spinning
the wheel of a toy car instead of playing with the car and mimicking its
normal actions.
Autistic children are unable to adapt to changes in their environment and
their established daily routines. These changes cause them disproportionate
level of stress. They also engage in repetitive body movements, finger tapping
or twisting.
Related Disorders include:
 Rett’s Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder
Asperger’s Disorder
Recommended Site: Autism
Spectrum Disorders |
