ASD - Key Concepts

Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Historical Background

• Leo Kanner (1943)

  • Introduced the concept of "Early Infantile Autism" (classic autism).
  • Key Characteristics:
  • Autistic Aloneness: Difficulty in social interactions.
  • Insistence on Sameness: Preference for routine and consistency.
  • Significant Language Problems: Challenges in communication.
  • Intellectual Disability: Many individuals may also have cognitive impairments.

• Hans Asperger (1944)

  • Described "Autistic Psychopathy".
  • Key Characteristics:
  • Difficulty Interacting with Others: Struggles in social connections.
  • Preoccupation with Specific Topics: Intense focus on narrow interests.
  • Good Vocabularies; Basic Language Skills: Better language skills compared to Kanner's subgroup.
  • Recognized as a polygenic disorder with a diverse presentation that often requires lifelong support.

• Lorna Wing

  • Criticized Kanner’s narrow criteria for autism, advocating for a broader view (spectrum disorder).
  • Introduced fewer essential criteria highlighting the lack of social instinct.
  • Key Contributions:
  • Founded the National Autistic Society in the UK, enhancing awareness and support.
  • Coined the term "Asperger Syndrome" in 1976, popularizing Asperger's earlier work.

Prevalence of ASD

• Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network

  • Analyzed data from various states including California, New York, and Florida among others.
  • Monitored autism prevalence among 4- and 8-year-olds.
  • Continued follow-up studies into the teen years (16 years old).

• Demographics

  • ASD is one of the largest minority groups in the U.S.
  • Rates differ by gender, with boys being diagnosed at least 4 times more often than girls.

Understanding the Trends in Prevalence Rates

• Autism Prevalence Rates Over the Years

  • 2004: 1 in 150
  • 2006: 1 in 166
  • 2008: 1 in 125
  • 2010: 1 in 110
  • 2012: 1 in 88
  • 2014: 1 in 68
  • 2016: 1 in 68
  • 2018: 1 in 59

• Factors Influencing Increased ASD Diagnosis Rates

  • May reflect:
  • Actual Increase: More individuals may be genuinely diagnosed due to evolving understanding of the disorder.
  • Increased Awareness: Greater public and professional awareness improving detection.
  • Increased Willingness: Families more willing to seek diagnoses and support.
  • Expanded Criteria: Diagnostic criteria have broadened over time, capturing more individuals under the ASD umbrella.