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Autism's effects on the brain

Monday, November 15, 1999

 

Autism
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For one Eastside family, disease struck twice

Intensive therapy can help 'rewire' child's brain

Where to go for more information

Autism's effects on the brain

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Illustration of brain pointing out key areas

Autism is diagnosed on the basis of a child's behavior because there is no definitive brain scan or blood test. Children who exhibit at least two signs in each of the following areas may be diagnosed with autism.

Social Interactions

  • Marked impairment in nonverbal behaviors, such as eye contact, facial expression, and gestures
  • Failure to develop peer relationships
  • Failure to share enjoyment, interests or achievements with others
  • Lack of emotional reciprocity

Communication

  • Delay in or lack of spoken language
  • Impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation despite having speech
  • Idiosyncratic language, or repetition of phrases
  • Lack of make-believe, or imitative play

Atypical activities or interests

  • Obsessive preoccupation with certain interests
  • Compulsive adherence to nonfunctional routines
  • Repetitive mannerisms
  • Preoccupation with parts and objects

Source: The American Psychiatric Association
Graphic by Cliff Vancura/P-I

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