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All You Need To Know About Autism Spectrum Disorders

Article Summary: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), also referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), range from very a severe type of autism to a much milder type, called Asperger syndrome. The symptoms of ASD can be definitely detected and diagnosed by the time the child is three years old. In some rare cases, if both the doctor and the family of the child are perceptive enough, it can be detected really early – when the child is about 18 months old.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), also referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), range from very a severe type of autism to a much milder type, called Asperger syndrome. The symptoms of ASD can be definitely detected and diagnosed by the time the child is three years old. In some rare cases, if both the doctor and the family of the child are perceptive enough, it can be detected really early – when the child is about 18 months old.

In case the child exhibits symptoms of either autism or Asperger syndrome but does not exactly match the criteria for either, then he is termed as having a pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). There are also other, rare disorders of the severe autistic kind. They are the Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.

Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome is quite rate, though it has been found existing in certain people. The strange thing about this condition is that it has so far mostly affected females. About one in 15,000 females with autism are diagnosed with this condition.

The Rett syndrome starts showing its signs when the child is about 6-18 months old. The little girl starts showing the development disorders typical of autism. She seems to be blank, does not respond to her parents’ calls, withdraws into her shell and shuns all social contact. She suddenly stops talking and if she does so, it is generally unclear babbling. Additionally, she is no more in control of her limb movements. Her feet seem to develop a mind of their own and she often can be seen wringing her hands tightly.

Treatment for Rett syndrome

Experts believe that some problems associated with Rett syndrome can be treated and improved significantly, with the help of occupational, physical and speech therapy.

Some tests taken have proved conclusively that a mutation in the sequence of a particular gene leads to the Rett syndrome. With the help of this discovery, doctors and researchers are now trying to find a way to inhibit the syndrome from worsening its course. This latest discovery might even help them control, curb and even prevent symptoms from coming back again. Experts are soon hoping to help autistic children cope better with their condition.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

CDD is extremely rare and very few children with ASD have been diagnosed as having CDD. As opposed to Rett syndrome, this disorder mostly strikes little boys. Initial signs and symptoms of this condition show up by age two, but become more obvious at 3 or 4 years of age, by which a normal child starts developing language and social skills.
Because both Rett syndrome and CDD appear at a slightly later age and the child shows sudden and obvious regression after a phase of normal development, they can be caught more easily.

Children with CDD show a marked decline in language and motor skills. These children also exhibit a loss of bowel and bladder control. Additionally, they might have low IQ and are sometimes affected by seizures.

Conclusion

Autism Spectrum Disorders are numerous and have a wide range, making it really complex. Doctors are now trying to find ways and means to help victims and their families cope up with the condition.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author:
Melissa Fox
Melissa Fox is a health professional very interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She enjoys writing inspirational articles for Real Living. To learn more about Autism and Aspergers Syndrome please visit www.CausesOfAutism.org