Contrary to common beliefs, autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is no longer a term or a label used to refer to individuals who act like the “Rainman”, or people who are mute, self-injurious or aggressive. They do not necessarily alienate themselves from the others or are devoid of emotions. With the advance in scientific research in the field, our knowledge about the condition has grown over the years.
At this point, autism is viewed as a spectrum or a continuum of disorders, with varying degrees of severity and levels of functioning. The phrase Autism Spectrum Disorders or Austic Spectrum Disorders is frequently used in replacement of the term autism. Diagnoses, such as Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Autistic Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (Not Otherwise Specified) are all included within the umbrella of ASD. While the presentation of the disorder varies from individual to individual, there are 3 areas of deficits that are common among individuals with ASD:
It is best viewed as social-communication learning disabilities. While some people have troubles learning to read, people with ASD have troubles learning social communication.