| It was not until the mid 20th century that the | | | | suddenly begins to show signs. |
| world became aware that autistic spectrum | | | | Disorders may range from the milder form in the |
| disorders existed. In 1943, Dr. Leo Kanner began | | | | autism spectrum, normally referred to as |
| to study a group that included 11 children and | | | | Asperger syndrome, to a more severe form |
| labeled the disorder that affected them as being | | | | known as an autistic disorder. There is also high |
| what we know today as autism. At the same | | | | functioning autism, which shows symptoms very |
| time, Dr. Hans Asperger, a German scientist, was | | | | close to Asperger syndrome. If a child seems to |
| describing a milder disorder within the same | | | | have symptoms of autism, either the mild or the |
| spectrum known as Asperger syndrome. | | | | more sever form, yet does not fall under a |
| Today, we know it to be one of five | | | | certain criteria for one of these disorders, then |
| developmental disorders that are often referred | | | | they are normally diagnosed with a pervasive |
| to as the autism spectrum disorders. Each illness | | | | developmental disorder. |
| in the autism spectrum will vary in degrees, with | | | | While it may not be a concern if a child is showing |
| regard to an individual's impairment. The | | | | signs of delayed development, they should be |
| impairments include problems with communication | | | | evaluated by a doctor. It is important to let your |
| skills, the inability to socially interact with others | | | | physician know if you see any developmental |
| and behavior patterns that are both restrictive | | | | delays in your child. If they do indeed have one of |
| and repetitive. | | | | the disorders within the autistic spectrum, then |
| The parents of a child are normally the first to | | | | there are steps that can be taken to help the |
| notice the signs of an autistic spectrum disorder. | | | | child increase their development and also help the |
| These disorders can actually rear their heads | | | | family to deal with the disorder. |
| before the child is even three years of age. | | | | Even after an autism spectrum disorder is found, |
| Children who have autism spectrum disorders do | | | | individuals can, in many cases learn to be |
| not act like other children. | | | | functioning individuals; however, if the disorder is |
| They may be withdrawn socially and may stare | | | | disregarded and nothing is done, then there is a |
| off into space and not respond when their name | | | | possibility of severe delays in both communication |
| is called. However, there are instances of the | | | | and social skills. It is always important when any |
| disorder not showing up until later, such as when a | | | | developmental delays seem apparent that the |
| child, who once acted as a normal toddler, | | | | child's physician be consulted. |