Autism/Define Autism

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Expert: - 12/18/2005


Question
Hi, I was wondering if you could clearly define autism for me because I have a slight degree of autism, I'm 15 years old now and I'm researching the topic. Please, Could you also give me a clear overview of the Autism Spectrum?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Craig,

I will be happy to help you in your research.

Simply put, autism is one of a group of developmental disorders that can affect speech, behavior and social functioning and sometimes, cognition (thinking).

First, you need to know if you don't already, that autism is not a single "disorder" but a spectrum that spans from the severest forms to the very mild.  Each individual has a variety of symptoms and issues and no two people are affected exactly the same.  So, it is called the Autistic Spectrum.  Here is a link to a site that shows a good diagram of the spectrum as well as a graphic showing the old concept of developmental disorders.

http://www.autismasperger.net/intro.htm

The site above is maintained by Stephen Shore who has written a couple of books you may find interesting.  Particularly, "Ask and Tell" which has good information about how and when to disclose your differences when you make the transition from high school to college or the working world.

At the severe end of the spectrum are the individuals who cannot speak, will not make eye contact and spend their life apparently locked into their own world of self-stimulation.  At the mild end are conditions called High-functioning Autism (HFA) and Asperger's Syndrome(AS).

An example of someone with HFA would be Dr. Temple Grandin.  She has also written a couple of books. There are articles by her at the web site below.

A good web site to read more about HFA and AS is here:
http://www.autism.org/

In general, individuals with HFA or AS do best if they pursue a career based on their area(s) of special interest.  You probably have a couple of topics you know nearly everything about because you find them endlessly fascinating.

Here is another link to a page generally meant for parents, but it has a great list of books:
http://www.patientcenters.com/autism/news/resources.html

This is a government web site with more information about autism:  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm

Good luck with your research.

Catherine  

Autism

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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