AUTISM Kumiko Nagata Casandra Carter Monica Ramirez

What is Autism? It is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) Causes delays or problems in many different skills that develop from infancy to adulthood It is a lifelong condition that results in some degree of social isolation Autism is a spectrum ranging from Rett syndrome Asperger syndrome classical autism childhood disintegrative disorder

What are the causes?  There are no exact causes but there are a few theories:  Genetic component: a gene may be missing or completions of cells may have been interrupted Monozygotic twins – 60% concordance Dizygotic twins – 4% concordance Each sibling with autism – 35% increase  Environmental Prenatal – there may have been an insult to the brain while it was developing. Postnatal – refrigerator mother or the vaccine debate

Risk Factors  Gender  Family History  Other disorders  Parents’ ages

Signs and Symptoms of Autism  Social Interaction  Communication  Behavior  The severity varies in each classification

Signs & Symptoms Cont’d  Social Interaction Marked impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviors Failure to develop peer relationships Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment or interests with others Lack of emotional or reciprocal responses

Signs & Symptoms Cont’d  Communication Delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language Repetitive, stereotyped, or idiosyncratic language Lack of make-believe or imitative play

Signs & Symptoms Cont’d  Behavior  Adherence to rituals  Repetitive motor activity  Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects  Repetitive behaviors and fixations Repetitive behaviors and fixations

Diagnosis  Usually diagnosed before age three  DSM-IV  social interaction Such as the lack eye contact or emotional response  communication Such as being monotone or speech in the form of songs  patterns of behavior Such as rocking and twirling, or in self-abusive behavior Exact criteria can be found in the DSM-IV  Parents  Family  Friends  Best to consult your child’s Pediatrician first  Mental health professional with advanced training How Who

How is Autism Treated?  Therapy  Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)  Speech Therapy  Occupational Therapy  Physical therapy  Medication  Risperidone has been used to target aberrant behaviors  SSRIs are used to address symptoms of mood or anxiety  Education  Children with autism need a comprehensive evaluation and specialized behavioral and educational programs.  Diet  Gluten free diet  Casein free diet

More Information  National Institution of Neurological Disorders National Institution of Neurological Disorders  Autism Speaks Autism Speaks  Autism Society Autism Society How can you get involved?  World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2011 World Autism Awareness Day