Understanding ASD

Today, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are epidemic.  Amazingly, about 1% of children are diagnosed with this neurological disorder. It affects children in every walk of life, touching every race, social grouping and geographical location.  New York State reported just over 19,000 cases of autism in people ages 3- 22 in 2008[i].  The disorder impacts every aspect of family life and is often debilitating for both the autistic child and the rest of the family.

This site has a clear description of the symptoms of ASD.  Most parents notice these symptoms within the first two years when self-help, language and play skills should be developing in a fairly sophisticated way.  By age 3, many typically developing children have a sense of independence, are able to help with dressing and other activities of daily living, are also able to effectively communicate their needs and interests.  The significant time demands of the infant begin to diminish in the toddler years. On the contrary, the areas just mentioned are very challenging for the child with ASD. 

Parents often find it difficult to interpret their child’s needs and wishes, and spend much more time helping with basic self care, even into later elementary/teen years and adulthood.  Families with multiple children find themselves depending on typically developing children to help care for their siblings with ASD.  Time becomes a precious and scarce resource for these families.  Quality of life is significantly decreased.

Brain Defect?

It was assumed that children with autism somehow had faulty wiring, i.e. an inherent neurological deficit.  Because of this, the social and emotional connection that was seen in typical children was impossible with their autistic counterparts.  Intervention for children with autism focused on safety, self-care and supporting the functional behaviors that are thought to be relevant to survival and independence later in life. 


UnderConnected Brain

In recent times there has been a paradigm shift.  Neurological research on the structure of autistic brains shows that there is no evidence of a structural deficit.  The brain matter is fine!  However, the MRIs show patterns of under-connectivity within the brain.  The various parts of the brain do not communicate effectively with each other. 

These connections in an individual’s brain are developed as a result of his/her life experiences.  When someone has many experiences of a specific kind, their brain develops more connections in in areas relevant to that experience. The brains of children with ASD are not defective, just not sufficiently connected.  Research agrees that there is a lack of integrated functioning in sections of the brain.  One significant challenge resulting from this is the ability to rapidly and effectively create meaning from change.  Generally, under-connectivity results in challenges processing information.   This affects learning, communication and social interaction.

---

[i] Thoughtful House, http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/tech-labs/disabilities/autism.php?s=NY