On the Spectrum

Autism is called a Spectrum Disorder because it ranges from mild to severe. More severe forms are alot easier to recognize than milder cases because the characteristics are all there such as delay in or no speech and language skills, poor social skills and repetitive patterns of behavior.  Those with Asperger's Disorder for example, can sometimes be harder to recognize, especially in younger children since they have good language skills, can have average IQs as well, but difficulty with social skills. Because there can be difficulty diagnosing Autism and sometimes children have some but not all characteristics to meet the criteria for this diagnosis, there are times when children are diagnosed as Other Health Impairment(OHI) or Not Otherwise Specified (NOS). 

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Autism in terms of what works and what doesn't to help those with the disorder improve. So far, there has been no conclusive evidence to show that gluten free diets, charcoal diets, or things such as seratonin shots will cure Autism or even help someone with Autism improve. Additionally, there is no conclusive evidence to say that vaccines cause the disorder. There are 3 facts out there that have remained true. 1- There is no known physical cause for disorder.  2- There is no cure.  3-The only proven techniques to help someone with Autism improve, have been behavioral and therapeutic interventions.

With interventions, the skills that children on the spectrum have can improve. Picture cards and visual aids often help those on the spectrum make sense of the world and help them organize and process what is being said or what needs to be done. Social groups help them learn what is appropriate in social settings. Speech Therapy can also help improve social skills, language and communication. Occupational Therapy can assist with sensory issues.

Autism is a complex disorder that is still being discovered and there is a lot more to learn about it. There are many resources and organizations now which support research and educate the public, so that we can continue to learn more about Autism:

Autism Speaks

Autism Society of America

Division TEACCH

National Institute of Mental Health

Center for Disease Control and Prevention