Autistic Disorder - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Autism, the prototypical pervasive developmental disorder. Autism, unlike disorders such as Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome , is not associated with any unusual physical characteristics. The rate of autism in siblings of autistic individuals is 2-6%. Autism is complex and controversial disorder. Children with autism are marked by impaired social interaction, impaired communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. A child with autism appears to live in his/her own world, showing little interest in others, and a lack of social awareness. The focus of an autistic child is a consistent routine and includes an interest in repeating odd and peculiar behaviors. Autistic children often have problems in communication, avoid eye contact, and show limited attachment to others. Three main clusters of behaviors define autism. (1) social abnormalities, especially a lack of social reciprocity; (2) language abnormalities, with deviant communication features and limited development of language; and (3) rigid, stereotyped, repetitive patterns of unusual behavior. Autism can prevent a child from forming relationships with others (in part, due to an inability to interpret facial expressions or emotions).