In-Depth Notes on Autism

Overview of Autism

• Autism is a severe childhood disorder characterized by significant difficulties in socialization and communication.

Prevalence

• Estimated occurrence: 30 cases per 10,000 children.

• Gender ratio: Autism occurs in boys four times more than in girls.

Age of Onset

• Recognizable signs typically emerge between 18 to 30 months of age.

• Average diagnosis age is around 6 years.

Behavioral Characteristics in Infants

• Infants may be described as "good babies":

  • Not particularly demanding.

Social and Communication Signs

• Rejection of Physical Affection:

  • Children may resist cuddling, hugging, and kissing as they grow.

• Delayed Speech Development:

  • Language skills may not develop at a typical rate.

• Social Detachment:

  • Notable failure to gaze at others' faces or engage socially.

• Pronoun Reversal:

  • Usage of "you" or "he/she" instead of "I".

• Echolalia:

  • Repetition of heard phrases, often in a high-pitched monotone voice.

Prominent Features of Autism

• Aloneness:

  • A key aspect often described in individuals with autism.

• Language and Communication Issues:

  • Significant challenges exist in understanding and using language.

• Ritualistic Behaviors:

  • Engaging in repetitive actions that may appear bizarre to others.

• Stereotyped Movements:

  • Common behaviors include:

  • Twirling

  • Hand flapping

  • Rocking back and forth.

• Self-harm Behaviors:

  • Some children may exhibit harmful behaviors such as:

  • Slapping their own faces

  • Banging their heads

  • Biting themselves

  • Pulling out their hair.

• Preservation of Sameness:

  • Strong reactions, like tantrums, can occur if familiar objects are relocated even slightly.

References

• Greene, Beverly, Jeffrey S. Nevid, and Spencer A. Rathus. Abnormal Psychology in a Changing World, Sixth Edition, 2006. Upper Saddle River, NJ.