How is a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) different from other diagnoses?
Because we do not know the causes, ASD diagnoses are based purely on observations or reports of behaviors. Unlike many medical syndromes, ASDs are not diseases. They are not contagious and are not yet treatable through medication (though medicine can help some symptoms). They are developmental disorders that reflect differences in the way that children develop from very early on (from infancy and toddlerhood) and that usually continue to affect development into adulthood. The primary treatments are educational (e.g., teaching individuals with ASDs ways to do things that may not come as easily for them) and compensatory (e.g., helping individuals learn to use their strengths to make up for areas that are more difficult), as well as behavioral (e.g., helping individuals and families to minimize behaviors that interfere with daily living, such as tantrums or self-injury).
Related Questions
- How important is it to have a diagnosis of Aspergers rather than Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)?
- How is a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) different from other diagnoses?
- What is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)?
