Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Autism is a developmental disability that can severely impair an individual's ability to communicate and socially interact with others. The number of autism diagnoses has risen from 1 in 10,000 children in 1999 to 1 in 166 children in 2007. The exact cause of the staggering increase of cases is not known exactly, but can in part be attributed to improved diagnostic techniques, and changes in the criteria for a diagnosis. Autism is not a singular condition; rather it is considered a spectrum disorder, as the number and intensity of symptoms may vary widely. However, all individuals afflicted with autism demonstrate impairments to some degree in the following three areas: communication, social relationships and restricted patterns of behavior.
For example, there is a signficant delay, or lack of, speech development, and no attempt to aid communication by gesturing. Intiating and/or sustaining conversations may be difficult for autistic individuals, and he or she may limit conversation to one topic, and repeat speech over and over. Non-verbal communication is not used or understood by a person with an autistic spectrum disorder. He or she may not develop relationships with peers that are appropriate to age and development level. Individuals with autism have a narrow range of interest, are often fixated on routine, as well as one specific object, or a repetitive motions.
At this time, there is no single diagnostic test that can conclusively prove a child has an autistic spectrum disorder. The most important signs to watch for are delays in the development of speech and of reciprocal interactions between the child and his or her caregivers. Parent's intuition is a good indicator here. There are several tools and checklists that can help determine if a comprehensive evaluation for autism is appropriate.
Alongside hearing tests and genetic testing, for example, information from brain SPECT imaging can allow the physician to see patterns in the brain. It's not that individuals with autistic spectrum disorders are presenting different symptoms of the same condition. Rather, the brain activity itself varies widely. SPECT imaging makes it possible to have a clearer understanding of what is happening in the individual's brain, allowing physicians to create and monitor specific treatments and their effectiveness.