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Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism, Pervasive Developmen, Asperger Syndrome, Childhood Disintegra
These disorders are lifelong neurodevelopmental disabilities and are characterised by impairments of reciprocal social interaction, impairment of verbal and non-verbal communication skills, stereotyped behaviours, and restricted or obsessive interests.
Autistic spectrum disorders have an age of onset of 36 months or less, except for some cases of Childhood disintegrative disorder, which may have a later onset. Despite the many subdivisions of autistic spectrum disorders, the clinical picture varies from one person to the other depending on age, gender, IQ level and personality. In addition, characteristics of people in the first three groups often overlap. Prevalence rates for autism are estimated at one in 1000, a similar rate for PDDNOS, and one in 300, for Asperger syndrome. Four out of every five people with these disorders are male although Asperger Syndrome may be under diagnosed in females. Children with autism become adults with autism although many symptoms improve with age. Development of epilepsy and psychiatric disorders in adolescence can also compromise the usual improvement that comes with maturity. The best outcomes occur in those with higher IQs, language development before five years and development of appropriate social behaviour.
Useful Links
An organisational website that provides important information, resources and links.
A Centre for Disabilities fact sheet providing resources, information and links to support organisations:
An organisational website that is available in different languages and describes the disorder, related syndromes, various interventions and interviews with various writers onthe subject. It also has links to other sources:
Provides resources, suppport and training for people who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger syndrome), their family and whanau, teachers and other professionals who work with them.
This website is part of the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Guideline Implementation Plan. The website is for people who:
* are working with children and adults in health, education or community settings and think someone they are working with might have ASD
* are professionals such as doctors or nurses or education sector specialists - or other professionals who are involved in making an initial assessment and might refer someone to a specialist for full assessment
* know of someone who is concerned that either they themselves, or someone they know might have ASD
It offers a range of downloadable resources that are based on the 'New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline'.
Support Groups
Person/Organisation:
Autism New Zealand Inc
Postal Address:
P O Box 7305, Sydenham, Christchurch, NZ
Phone Number:
(03) 332 1038
Fax Number:
(03) 332 1024
Email:
Support Resources
Published in 1997 by Powell, Stuart (edit
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