Signs of Autism

The category of pervasive developmental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) contains a series of subcategories within it that are all identified as pervasive developmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder is one of these, as is Asperger’s Syndrome which is also known as Autism Asperger’s. There exists a noted difference between autism and autism Asperger’s, and the clinical diagnosis according to the DSM-IV is where the difference lies.

The diagnosis of autism includes abnormal functioning in 1 of 3 areas: 1.) social interaction, 2.) language, and 3.) symbolic play. In Autism Asperger’s, there must be a decline in social interaction, however clinicians must note there is no significant abnormalities or delays in the last two characteristics.

Given this concrete set of guidelines towards diagnosing Autism Asperger’s, clinicians still debate about the degree to which Autism Asperger’s is different than other autism spectrum disorders. The fundamental differences between autism and Autism Asperger’s seems to be normal development in the early stages of life and some language delay. Because of this, researchers conclude that the differences between the two disorders lies in the degree of severity, and not in the kind of disorder.

Nature vs. nurture is the predominant debate when it comes to discussion of autism causes. Is the root of the causes of autism genetic, or are the causes environmental? Researchers have been swinging back and forth between these two possibilities for decades, and in the process have established some interesting theoretical viewpoints. Sadly, the research remains purely theoretical, and not only have autism causes not been firmly established, but still remain a great area of controversy.

Because people who have autism encompass such a wide spectrum, a large consensus of research seems to indicate that it is very likely that a diverse range of a multitude of causes are responsible for autism. These multiple causes are theorized to interact in both complex and subtle manners, and as such, the outcome of each person with autism is just as varied. The most common issues that have been attributed to function as autism causes will be discussed briefly here.