About Autism | Recommended Links |
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See also: Asperger's Syndrome Autism is most usually defined as a triadic impairment of social interaction, communication and imagination. Autism is generally characterised as a spectrum or continuum of functioning and impairment. The most severe type of autism, Kanner's Autism (SLD Autism) is estimated to effect around 10 to 30 births per 10,000 and is associated with significant and life-long learning, social and communication disabilities. Asperger's Syndrome is usually held to represent the high functioning end of the autistic spectrum. Individuals with autistic symptoms, but who do not fit the strict criteria for SLD/Kanner's Autism or Asperger's Syndrome are generally (in the UK) diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Some children with another underlying diagnosis, eg Fragile X or Lowe Syndrome, but who exhibit significant autistic behaviour and impairments may additionally be diagnosed with ASD. Recent figures quoted on the incidence of all Autistic Spectrum Disorders in the UK have been as high as 1% of children. There is little evidence that the incidence of classic Kanner's/SLD Autism is increasing, but it is certainly the case that the number of children receiving a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder has increased markedly. Whether this is a result of better diagnosis and a widening of diagnostic criteria or an actual increase in incidence of ASDs is currently a matter of some debate amongst experts. The range of capability and disability in the autistic spectrum cannot be over-stated. Autism in its widest usage encompasses some children who will all but normalise by adulthood and others who will need life-long and intensive support in every aspect of their daily routine.
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