HeARTs for Autism® - Supporting Families and Raising Awareness for the Autism Spectrum Disorders

About Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism? Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder which is classified under the heading Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD.) PDD has five major categories: Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome (sometimes called High Functioning Autism), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, and PDD, Not-Otherwise-Specified (PDD-NOS.) What is important to know is that there is a SPECTRUM to the disorders. People affected are from every ethnic and economic group, and although 2 people may have the same diagnosis with some obvious similarities, the manifestation of their disorder can be very diverse. (Some experts include ADD / ADHD on the Spectrum as well.) Each person on the Spectrum is truly unique! Generally, those on the Spectrum will have impairments in communication, social interaction, imaginative play, and exhibit restricted, repetitive behaviors and fixations. Often, they are emotionally intense and prone to tantrum-like behavior as a function of their neurological condition, and many have Sensory Integration issues. However, in the midst of this condition is a beautiful person needing and wanting to be loved and accepted, and a family striving to help them.

Please visit this link for further explanation on the facets of the diagnosis:
http://www.pediatricneurology.com/autism.htm

The Autism Paradox

1. It’s easy to recite an entire book, but difficult to make up a story
2. It’s easy to line up toys, but difficult to stay in line
3. It makes perfect sense to climb on the sofa, but little sense to sit on it
4. Memorizing the Presidents in order - 10 minutes. Packing a school bag - 10 hours
5. Family pictures on the wall are boring, but that speck of dust next to it, now that’s fascinating!
6. Talking about weather patterns - piece of cake. Talking about my day… impossible!
7. Ability to focus on spinning objects - timeless, ability to focus on homework - 3 seconds
8. Being called by name, can’t hear it. Some owl hooting in the distance - clear as a bell
9. How to operate the remote control - zero instruction. How to button up pants
- intensive instruction
10. Navigating social rules - poorly skilled, Navigating from the back seat - highly skilled

All content and images on this site are copyright © HeARTs for Autism®, 2005-08, unless otherwise noted.
This site is for informational purposes only. For terms, conditions and disclaimer, please click here for site info.
HeARTs for Autism®, Philadelphia, PA
Web Design and Development: Alexandria Levin
Webhosting: PC Partners