Autistic disorder
Description
Severe, pervasive developmental disorder that affects social interactions and communication
Degree of impairment varying
Usually apparent before age 3
Poor prognosis
Affects approximately 1 in 1,000 children
Four to five times more likely in males than in females, usually the firstborn male
Sometimes called Kanner’s autism
Pathophysiology
Central nervous system (CNS) defects may arise from prenatal complications.
Causes
Exact cause unknown
Defects in CNS from prenatal complications such as rubella
Hypotheses include genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, obstetric complications, and exposure to toxic agents
Theorized association with vaccinations — remains controversial
Assessment findings
Becoming rigid or flaccid when held
Crying when touched
Showing little or no interest in human contact
Delayed smiling response
Severe language impairment
Lack of socialization and imaginative play
Echolalia
Pronoun reversal
Bizarre or self-destructive behavior
Extreme compulsion for sameness
Abnormal reaction to sensory stimuli
Cognitive impairment
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