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Autism Definition
Autism is defined in the Diagnostic and
Statistical manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) is the name given to describe the wide range of behaviours
amongst the Autistic population. Children with autism are less able to interact
with the world as other children do. Typically they have deficits in three
key areas:
• Verbal and non-verbal Communication
• Social awareness and interactions
• Imaginative play (variable interests and behaviours).
 There are separate labels
given to children with autism for different points on the Autism spectrum.
At the least affected end, you may find labels such as "Asperger's Syndrome",
"High Functioning Autism" and "Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise
Specified" (PDD-NOS). At the other end of the spectrum you may find labels such as
"Autism", "Classic Autism" and "Kanner Autism".
| We believe that a diagnosis of AUTISM
should be a starting point, prompting health professionals to
investigate further and initiate assessment and treatment of the
possible underlying causes. Investigation and treatment of Biological, Nutritional and Metabolic factors
In addition to ABA-based early intervention, have led to improvement of symptoms or complete resolution of symptoms in a
multitude of Children with Autism worldwide. Autism is treatable and recovery possible.
Autism research Institute, Defeat
Autism Now (DAN) California |
The following is the list of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Parents are urged to seek professional
advise and not to self-diagnose the disorder in their children. It requires
considerable experience and training to become competent at making a diagnosis.
Please call the clinic for advice.
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A total of six (or more) items from the three domains, with at least two
affecting social interactions and one each affecting communication and stereotypical behaviours. |
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Social interaction
domain |
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marked
impairment in the use of multiple non-verbal behaviours such as
eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to
regulate social interaction
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failure to
develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
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lack of
spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements
with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing
out objects of interest)
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lack of
social or emotional reciprocity
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Communication domain as manifested by at least one
of the following: |
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delay in,
or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not
accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of
communication such as gesture or mime)
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in
individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability
to initiate or sustain a conversation with others.
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stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
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lack of
varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play
appropriate to developmental level
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Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests,
and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following: |
- encompassing preoccupation with one or more
stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal
either in intensity or focus
- apparently inflexible adherence to specific,
non-functional routines or rituals
- stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms
(e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body
movements)
- persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
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Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the
following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years:
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- social interaction,
- language as used in social communication, or
- symbolic or imaginative play (role playing or
pretending)
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Two-Day Intensive ABA Courses
to train parents, caregivers, therapists and Psychologists
are run on the last weekend of each month.
Courses are run at the clinic, in small groups of no more
than 8 people .
Pre-booking is essential.
Click here to download
a PDF brochure.
Cost $500
FaHCSIA will pay for parents
and caregivers to do the course.
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