When first presented with information about autism, the language and acronyms used to describe and define the disorder can be off-putting. Because autism, a complex bio-neurological developmental disability, is diagnosed based on observation of the behavior in those affected by it, the term Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is generally used. As the term implies, there are degrees to which individuals are affected by autism, and the term ASD is used to encompass a range of severity of symptoms. Two children may share the same diagnosis, but they may exhibit different degrees of behavioral symptoms.
Children on the autism spectrum have difficulty interacting with or playing with others, including avoiding eye contact or being averse to being held or touched. Developmental delays – or the achievement and then loss of developmental skills including gross and fine motor skills and language skills– are also hallmarks of autism. Unusual movements or moving objects in a repetitive way and not understanding or using language are also characteristics of autism.
The term Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PPD) is also used to describe autism. PPDs, of which autism is the most well-known, are a group of developmental conditions affecting children that encompass impairments and delays in social skills and communication.
Generally speaking, PDDs are diagnosed by age 3 and sometimes as early as 18 months. While all PDDs affect social skills, communication, behavior, and cognitive skills, they are not all alike. Other PPDs include Asperger syndrome. A child with Asperger syndrome, for instance, may have trouble communicating but exhibit no trouble with self-help skills such as dressing or feeding him- or herself.
When learning about autism it is important to remember that there is no consensus as to the cause of autism. Genetics and environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disorder, but no definitive links have been established. Parenting styles are not a factor in whether a child is affected by autism.
There has been much speculation about a causal link between autism and childhood vaccines, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and vaccines that contain thimerosal, a preservative containing a small amount of mercury. Although extensive research has found no link between autism and vaccines and most vaccines have been thimerosal-free since 2001, the controversy persists over a possible vaccine-autism causation link.
Just as there is no definitive cause of autism, there is no cure. Treatments and interventions can greatly improve the symptoms of autism, but it is important to keep in mind the distinction in meaning here: autism is a disorder for which there is no cure, but that does not mean that there is no treatment for it.