The Puzzle of AutismRon Malone

What is Autism?• Autism is a complex disorder of brain development characterized

by:– Difficulties in social interaction– Difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication– Repetitive behaviors– Intellectual Disability– Difficulties in motor coordination – Difficulties in Attention

How Common is Autism?

• Autism is 4-5 times more prevalent in boys than girls.

• Approximately 2 million people in the United States are diagnosed with Autism

Boys• 1 in 54

Girls• 1 in 256

Approximately 1 in 88 children

What are the Causes?• The puzzle of Autism is

that there is no one cause

• Autism can occur as a result of:– Rare gene changes or

genetic mutations

– Environmental risk factors during or after pregnancy

For more information on the causes of Autism click here

What are the Symptoms?

Social-Interaction Difficulties

Repetitive Behavior

Communication Challenges

Warning!

Early Signs of AutismBefore 12 Months After 12 Months

No joyful expressions

No words (16 months)

No sharing of sounds or facial

expressions

No meaningful two-word phrases (24

months)

No babbling Lack of social interaction

No gestures such as waving or pointing

Prevalence of behavioral issues

3 Core Symptom Interactions

Treatment: A Combination

Therapeutic Treatments• Applied Behavior Analysis• Pivotal Response Therapy• Verbal Behavior Therapy• Relationship Development

Intervention• Social Communication and

Emotional Regulation Transactional Support

Medicinal Treatment• Risperidone• Aripiprazole• Serotonin reuptake

inhibitors (SSRIs)• Fluoxetine• Naltrexone

Summary• Autism is a brain development disorder which causes difficulties

in social interaction and communication• Approximately 2 million people in the United State’s suffer with

Autism• There are many combinations of causes mainly stemming from

genetic abnormalities and environmental factors• It is important to know the symptoms of Autism in order to get an

early detection to better treatment• Treatment for Autism includes a combination of medications

(physical) and therapeutic (behavioral/social) treatments.• The many medications used to treat Autism are also used to treat

children with ADD or ADHD

References• “Autism Speaks.” Autism Speaks. http://www.autismspeaks.org/• Images used taken from ClipArt