1. Autism VIDEO: Autism Every Day

2. What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological disorder that is categorized under the umbrella of Pervasive Development Disorders
Characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development”
Autism Society of America

3. Causes? There is no single know cause for the development of autism
Generally accepted by the medical community…
brain structure and function is abnormal, as detected with the use of neuroimaging

4. Causes?
Researchers continue to investigate a number of theories regarding causes of autism
Heredity; genetic
Problems during pregnancy and delivery
Viral infections and metabolic imbalances
Exposure to environmental toxins
Vaccinations (MMR in particular)

5. Causes?
Autism does appear to occur more frequently in individuals with certain medical conditions
Fragile X syndrome
Tuberous sclerosis
Congenital Rubella Syndrome
Untreated Phenylketonuria (PKU)
(ASA)

6. Prevalence Autism is the most prevalent of the PDD
According to the CDC, 2-6 individuals per 1000 have an autism spectrum disorder
In 2003 ~141,022 children were served under the autism classification for special education services
CDC

7. 1/166 children? Oregon 1/120 children Maine 1/138 Indiana 1/169
Wisconsin 1/196
California 1/227
New York 1/241
Illinois 1/280
Iowa 1/342
Colorado 1/543
Hollenbeck, DF. Public Schools Autism Prevalence Report Series,

8. Other facts… Autism is four times more prevalent in males
According to the US Department of Education, autism rates are growing at % per year
Autism Society of America

10. The Debate…
There is currently some debate regarding the true increase in the number of children born with autism
Some researchers believe the drastic increase in prevalence may be due to a broadened definition of the disorder
(APA)

11. In 1980 when autism was first introduced as a diagnosis (DSM-III) anyone with normal intelligence was automatically disqualified
In 1994 (DSM-IV), the diagnosis included individuals with high intelligence but with significant impairments in the areas of:
Communication
Social interaction
Behavioral flexibility

13. Disorders Categorized Under PDD
Autistic Disorder
Asperger’s Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative disorder (CDD)
Rett’s Disorder
PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Autism Society of America

14. Each of these disorders have specific diagnostic criteria that have been outlined in the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)

15. Autism Autism is a spectrum disorder
may demonstrate any combination of behaviors, or defining characteristics to varying degrees
Two children with the diagnosis of autism may behave in a completely different manner and have varying capabilities
(ASA)

16. Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration

17. Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration

18. Autism – Sensory Integration
Throws their senses “off” causing them to be over or under active
May experience things like seams or tags in clothing as painful
Very sensitive to light touch (~ Chiropractic?)
Sensitivities to smell, sounds, and light are also common

19. Autism – Common Traits Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
Difficulty in expressing needs
Using gestures or pointing instead of words
Repeating words or phrases in place of normal language
Preference to being alone, aloof manner
Tantrums
Difficulty mixing with others

20. Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
Little or no eye contact
Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
Sustained odd play
Spinning objects
Obsessive attachment to objects
Apparent over/under sensitivity to pain
No real sense of fear or danger
Noticeable extreme over or under activity
Uneven gross/fine motor skills
No response to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range

21. Asperger’s Syndrome
Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome share common characteristics:
Deficits in non-verbal communication (facial expression, body language)
Preference for interacting with objects rather than peers
Deep immersion in a single field of interest
Strict adherence to a daily routine
Repetitive motions, such as hand flapping or finger twisting
(DSM-IV-R)

22. Asperger’s Syndrome
One aspect that differentiates Asperger’s syndrome is language development
Autistic children commonly demonstrate language delays
Children with Asperger’s syndrome often grasp language quite quickly; sometimes advanced development for their age group
*Note, however, that they do not master the usual give and take of conversation…
(APA)

23. Asperger’s Syndrome
Tendency to talk exclusively and at great length about their favorite topics
Dead presidents
Meteorology
Rain Man (the movie)
May develop an impressive vocabulary
(APA)

24. Myths & Misconceptions

25. “Autistic children don’t make eye contact”
Many autistic children do make eye contact
perhaps less often or in a different manner
“Autistic children don’t communicate”
Communication skills may include the use of sign language, pictures, or some form of functional language developed by the child
“Autistic children will grow out of it”
Although symptoms may lessen as the child grows, they never “outgrow” autism
(ASA)

26. (ASA) “Austistic children can’t love”
Often they can and do show affection
in their own terms
It is not uncommon for them to develop greater awareness and attachment to their families and other significant caregivers as they grow older
(ASA)

27. Autism and Chiropractic
Everyone can benefit from chiropractic care including those with pervasive developmental disorders
Theory:
remove subluxation ~>allow full flow of nerve impulses ~>improved function (increased neurological integration)

28. multiple case study (26 children)
Aguilar AL, et al. Chiropractic Care and Behavior in Autistic Chidren. JCCP 2000; 5(1),
multiple case study (26 children)
significant improvement in behavior under chiropractic care
changes in physiologic responses were also noted
decreased incidence of ear infections, insomnia, enuresis, and incontinence