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The right help at the right time!QUICK FACTS ABOUT AUTISM AND OTHER PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERSAutistic disorder is one of the 5 pervasive developmental disorders that also include Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS. Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is another commonly used term that refers to milder forms of Autism and Asperger’s. Rett’s Disorder is rare and occurs only in girls who have severe or profound mental retardation, which appears in the first few years of life. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is diagnosed if a participant develops normally for the first 2 years but then regresses in both social and communication skills after that. Pervasive Developmental Disorders, including Autism, are considered neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by severe impairment in social interaction skills, severe impairment in communication skills, and/or the presence of stereotyped behaviors, interests, or activities. Autism can be reliably diagnosed at around the age of 2. At times, a diagnosis can not be made until about the age of 3, when functional language fails to develop. By definition, the onset of Autistic Disorder is prior to age 3 years. Asperger’s can be distinguished from Autism by the lack of delay or deviance in early language development. In Autistic disorders, there are significant abnormalities in areas of social interactions, language and play; whereas in Asperger’s Disorder early cognitive and language skills are not delayed significantly. Many associated symptoms can occur with all the Pervasive Developmental Disorders ( behavioral problems, agitation, hyperactivity, aggression, obsessive preoccupations, compulsions, self harm, etc.) Autism is also more common in males. There is some debate as to whether Asperger’s and Autism are on the same continuum, with Asperger’s being considered a milder form, or if they are separate disorders altogether that share some similarities in behavioral aspects, like impairments in social interactions. There are also less severe types of Autism, called Higher Functioning Autism (HFA). In most cases of the autistic disorder, there is an associated diagnosis of mental retardation which can range from mild to profound. This is not the same scenario found in Asperger’s, where mental retardation is not commonly observed, although occasionally mild mental retardation can be found. The exact cause of Autism and the other PDD is unknown but may result from a multitude of factors, including a genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors, triggers or toxins. There is no cure for autism or Autistic Spectrum Disorders. However, there are 2 main treatment strategies: behavioral therapy that focuses on behaviors, communication, and social deficits, and pharmacotherapy, which focuses on decreasing some of the associated symptoms and disruptive behaviors that may be present. These treatment strategies will be discussed in more detail in the next newsletter. Other Featured Articles:KEY FINDINGS OF THE QUALITY AND UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM EAP SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT REFERRALS GAPS IN CARE FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER
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