Next Steps: A Guide for Families New to Autism Spectrum Disorders

What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a complex neurological disorder affecting individuals in the areas of social interaction and communication. Autism and its associated behaviors have estimated to occur in about 1 in 150 individuals (Center for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 2007). Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder- meaning the symptoms can occur in any combination and with varying degrees of severity.

The characteristic behaviors of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may or may not be apparent in infancy (18 – 24 months), but usually become obvious during early childhood (24 months – 6 years). ASD affects individuals in every country and region of the world and knows no racial, ethnic, or economic boundaries.

What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders?

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) is the “umbrella term” for a group of disorders that includes Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), published by the American Psychiatric Association, individuals receive the diagnosis of PDD-NOS when they do not meet criteria for a specified PDD but exhibit related symptoms.

What Causes Autism?

Autism has no single cause. It was once thought to be a psychological disorder caused by traumatic experiences, leading to emotional and social withdrawal. Today, researchers believe that several genes, possibly in combination with environmental factors may contribute to autism. Some studies of individuals with autism have also shown abnormalities in several regions of the brain. While these findings are substantial, they require further study.

How Can Autism Be Treated?

provided a clearer understanding of the disorder and has led to better treatments and therapies. Early and appropriate interventions can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. The majority of individuals with ASD will continue to exhibit some symptoms in varying degrees throughout their lives.

The most effective programs share an emphasis on early, individualized and systematic interventions. To accommodate the diverse needs of individuals with ASD, effective approaches should be flexible, re-evaluated regularly, and provide the child with opportunities for generalization. Parents should investigate treatments thoroughly as there is no single treatment proven effective for all children with ASD. Therefore, intervention programs should incorporate a variety of effective practices tailored to meet the specific needs of your child. Considerations when selecting treatments should include a variety of factors, including how the intervention will affect the child, as well as the entire family.

At the request of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, the National Research Council appointed a committee to analyze available scientific evidence related to educational intervention for young children with ASD. The committee developed a report that outlines recommendations for educational programming for children with ASD. Their recommendations for educational intervention are summarized on the following page.