AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Triad of ImpairmentsLack of Reciprocal Social InteractionImpairments in non verbal behavioursLack of reciprocal social interactionLack of spontaneous seeking of enjoymentFailure to Develop Social relationships

Impaired Communication SkillsDelayed language developmentStereotyped idiosyncratic languageDifficulty in conversationLack of social imitative play

Restricted and Repetitive BehavioursStereotyped and repetitive motor mannerismsPreoccupation of particular activity or topicInflexible adherence to routines or ritualsPreoccupation with parts of objects

Early Warning SignsPRACTICAL ADVICEBirth to 12 monthsDoesn’t look much at people’s facesNot interested in social gamesLittle affectionHappy to be left alonePoor response to own nameDoesn’t like to be touched

After 12 monthsEye contact abnormalLimited pleasure in gamesPoor play skillsPoor response to nameDoesn’t respond to gesturesTakes hand of parent to get objectUnusual soundsHand /finger mannerisms

Source: Chawarska and Volkmar, Autism in Infancy and Early Childhood, 2005

Autistic Disorder

Asperger’s Disorder

Rett’s Disorder

Childhood Disintegrative

Disorder

Pervasive Developmental

DisorderNOT OTHERWISE

SPECIFIED

BROADER CONCEPT OF AUTISM