Autism/Autistic Spectrum

What is Autism / Autistic Spectrum?

Autism is a developmental disorder that results in impaired ability to communicate and interact.

Symptoms Include:

Symptoms of autism involve marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as:

• Eye-to-eye gaze
• Failure to develop peer relations at the appropriate level for peer
• Development
• Lack of social or emotional reciprocity in facial expression
• Lack of spontaneous speaking to share interests of enjoyment with others
• Body postures or common gestures of social interaction

Impairment & Communication Manifested:

• Delay or lack of development in spoken language
• Stereotyped or repetitive use of language
• Idiosyncratic use of language
• Inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals
• Persistent preoccupation with parts of Oojects
• Lack of varied or spontaneous make-believe play
• Restricted repetitive or stereotyped behaviors
• Mentally inadequate speech or inability to sustain a conversation with others
• Encompassing preoccupation with a particular interest either abnormal in intensity or focus

Diagnosis Criteria

• Delay of abnormal function prior to age 3
• Disturbance is not better accounted for by other mental illnesses