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Introduction to Autism

Introduction to Autism. January 24, 2006 Pat Mirenda, Ph.D. University of British Columbia. What is Autism?. Autism is one a group of disorders that are known, collectively, as the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs)

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Introduction to Autism

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  1. Introduction to Autism January 24, 2006 Pat Mirenda, Ph.D. University of British Columbia

  2. What is Autism? • Autism is one a group of disorders that are known, collectively, as the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) • The PDDs constitute the “autism spectrum,” as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV-TR, 2000)

  3. The Autism Spectrum/PDDs • autistic disorder (autism) • Rett’s disorder • childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) • Asperger’s disorder • pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) or atypical autism

  4. Demographics • Recent research suggests that ASDs occur in approximately 1/150 children (Fombonne, 1999) • 4-5 times more prevalent in males • We used to think that most individuals with autism also had intellectual disability, but current research suggests that this is not the case

  5. Causes • NOT caused by emotional abuse or neglect, or rejection by parents (mothers) • Clear genetic component, with multiple interacting genes (2-10) • Prenatal central nervous system damage • Neurochemical component • We still don’t understand the cause(s) enough to prevent or treat it medically

  6. Diagnostic Criteria (2000) • Child must have at least 6/12 possible symptoms to have autism; fewer constitutes PDD-NOS • Symptoms must occur across three categories: • impairments in social interaction • impairments in communication • restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, or activity

  7. Additional Criteria • Must have delays or abnormal functioning prior to age 3 in at least one of the following areas: • social interaction • language used in social communication • symbolic or imaginative play

  8. Temple Grandin, Animal Scientist, Architect http://www.grandin.com/

  9. Anthony Crudale, Marathon Runner

  10. Jessica Park, Artist (http://www.jessicapark.com)

  11. Tito Mukhopadhyay, Poet (http://www.cureautismnow.org/tito/)

  12. Individuals with Advanced Language • Common problems: • Literal interpretation of others’ language • Unusual topical interests and speech patterns • High stress/anxiety in communication contexts, leading to communication breakdowns • Difficulty understanding when to talk, what to talk about, etc. in conversations

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