Posted on 03/29/2014 6:42:23 AM PDT by Star Traveler
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by:
Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts;
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities;
Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (typically recognized in the first two years of life); and,
Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment or disability that children with ASD can have. Some children are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) no longer includes Asperger’s syndrome; the characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome are included within the broader category of ASD.
Information on ASD can also be found on the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
I have read some of the reasons why in several articles and threads, have been in discussions with people who have been in the disability ministries for decades and others who have children with Asperger’s or autism or have either one. Almost all agree with me and see it as more harmful than good to include Asperger’s. The articles tend to make me cross-eyed if they aren’t coming from people who live their lives with or as Autistic or Asperger’s.
Yeah ... the one that comes to mind right now is when my parents were told (by note) to come down to school to the principal’s office to discuss some trouble I got into. Since I was the interpreter for the family (the only child at that time, a brother came along later) ... I was the only one who could enable the conversation between the two. I did my best to keep myself out of trouble in that conversation ... :-) ...
The thing I remember most about Temple Grandin is that she is an expert on designing cattle yards...or, those things they run cattle thru. I forget what they are called...cattle shoots?
So sorry you had to go through that. I would not wish it on anyone. Small children can be really cruel. It will get better as he grows up. I think it is more painful for adults sometimes than the children. They tend to bounce back more quickly.
I’m familiar with Dr Grandin’s work—have read her books. She is wonderful. She is also atypical for autistic people.
I was wondering more about the blessings of Asperger’s, which my friend has, than autism. It can be sort of exasperating.
That hardly seems sporting!
Ours is fascinated with fans and their spinning. He spins himself too. He also has a very very sweet personality and disposition. The only thing he would run into a problem with, in terms of the category of Aspergers, is that he doesn’t speak and I’m told that this one thing does not fit into Aspergers.
Yep ... that and Autism is what she’s known for.
There are a lot of people like him and always have been, don’t let the irritating modern fixation upon making a pathology out of every behavior that doesn’t march lockstep within some predetermined range convince you otherwise. He’ll be OK, just find an outlet for him to vent his frustrations that is less visible and less disconcerting to others, and encourage him in his fascinations that can lead to a productive life in adulthood. Time was, this was called creative temperament or eccentric genius and almost expected of those with rare ability. Now, it’s just another way for public schools to get more money, and just another way for psychologists and pharmaceutical companies to sell more drugs. Avoid them if at all possible, imho.
You bet ... just because he’s not speaking doesn’t mean he doesn’t know what you’re saying.
So I read the NIH website on this, and am stunned at the “spectrum” of inconsistencies and unknowns. Perhaps 5-10% of the content may actually be useful in detecting autism—the rest is leave-it-up-to-the doctor (and parents) to guess if the child has autism. What is clear to me from that content; when I was growing up, I remember seeing most of those characteristics in kids around me—lack of eye content (I call shyness), repetitive movements, lack of social interaction (shyness again). I was very shy at those early ages, and not social like the rest of the kids. So what. So rather than let children nowadays progress in their own way, the government set forth guidelines to identify all those kids who “should” be more normal. Again, autism is real. And many of you say there are real noticeable changes in kids theses days. But the guidelines need to far more definitive than what currently exists.
LOL
Grand son loved spinning. Since we bought him a trampoline for our house and his house, he now jumps and seldom spins any more.
Another thing I wonder about is if constantly staring at technology, flourescent lights and the absence of natural sunlight don't contribute significantly to the problem.
Yes, I agree. I am weary of the confidence of the Psychiatry Profession and their confidence they can help with issues of the mind.
I have greater confidence in those who use therapy to treat OCD. I believe in neuroplasticity. The mind can be conditioned to be rewired.
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