Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a range of neurodevelopment disorders characterized by often severe social impairment, communication difficulties or blockages, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour. Disorders in the autism spectrum range from classical autism (also called autistic disorder) to the milder form diagnosed as Asperger's Syndrome to the rarer and sometimes fatal condition called Rett's Disorder to Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD, aka Heller's Disease) which manifests later in a child's development, to pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
For parents of children with autism, the disorder presents a variety of challenges. These challenges can vary based on the severity of the condition among many other factors. Many parents are sure that their child will fare very poorly in a non-specialized environment such as that of most public schools. Autistic children are likely to be aggravated by common elements of a regular school environment such as fluorescent lighting, excessive noise and even textures like heavy carpeting.
Suzanne Lanthier, the executive director of Autism Speaks Canada, says few schools are well-prepared to address the diverse demands required to deal with autistic children especially when the disease manifests differently or with varied severity from one autistic child to another. Many children with autism will be unable to function in any environment except one prepared especially for their needs. There are, however, schools that fully understand autism, its variations and have experience in dealing with autistic children.
Autism diagnosis
Autism can often be diagnosed or detected at an early age. There are many possible early indicators of autism. A short list of autism symptoms is as follows:
- lack of babbling or pointing by age one
- lack of any single words by 16 months age
- lack of response to name being called
- poor eye contact
- excessive need for quiet and order
- lack of smiling or responsiveness to others
Symptoms of autism for toddler-aged children or older include the following:
- weakness in making friends or relating to peers
- lack of ability to engage in conversation
- repetitive actions
- repetitive or strange language patterns
- obsession-like preoccupation with objects or conversational subjects
The above list is by no means comprehensive or authoritative. Since autism is a spectrum, these or other signs of autism may manifest in various degrees. Parents who witness the symptoms above manifest in their child are urged to consult the opinion of a health professional for diagnosis.
Autism treatment
Autism treatment should ideally begin as early as possible. There is no cure for autism, so treatment is focused on therapy and behavioral training with medication in some cases, especially where the autistic disorder is severe.
Therapy has been shown to be the best way of dealing with autism. Sessions focus on skill acquisition and repeated therapies that break through manifestations of autistic catatonia to alter behaviours. The earlier in the child's life that intervention begins the more effective, say the majority of experts in the field. Family therapy may also help in training parents and siblings to deal with the child's autism.
Autism research
Research in autism has increased exponentially in the last number of years but there is still much to be learned about autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Schools listed below have expertise in dealing with students with autism.
