The Triad of Impairments

Autism is often described as 'The Triad of Impairment'.

The three aspects of the Triad are:
(1) an impairment of social relationships;
(2) an impairment of social communication;
(3) an impairment of social understanding and imagination.

The range and extent of impairment in each or any of these aspects varies greatly across the spectrum of disorders and professional diagnosis is required.

This said, however, twelve easily identifiable characteristics of autism have been described by the Irish Society for Autism in its Characteristics of Autism publication. These are:

1. Avoids eye contact.
2. Disinterest in people or play.
3. Unusual fears, e.g., certain colours.
4. Inappropriate use of toys.
5. Resists learning.
6. Obsessive spinning of objects.
7. Laughs or giggles for no apparent reason.
8. Unaware of danger.
9. Ability to ignore loud sounds or noise.
10. Obsessive attachment to objects, e.g., pieces of string.
11. Rejects physical contact.
12. Resists change.

Extract from http://www.scoilnet.ie/article.aspx?id=3260

This article attempts classify distribution of syptoms. more_aboutautism.htm

Early Onset vs Regressive Autism

There are two main types of Autism. The more classic 'Early Onset' Autism, where symptoms appear to be present from birth. Parents of these children sometimes report they felt their child was 'different' from the onset. The other type is 'Regressive' Autism, where development was normal for the first two or three years, followed by regression which can includes losing use of words or skills.

More about regressive Autism here regressive-autism.html

Late Milestones

Autism is characterized by late developmental milestones, including speech, potty training, walking, reading writing.

Learning Disability

Autism is usually accompanied by learning disability, ranging from absence to delay of language, social and numeracy skills, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity known as 'Stimming' of often observed. This may include flapping hands, moving around or not keeping still. Walking on tiptoe is quite common. Also things like ripping paper into many small pieces.

Aggression

Aggressive and unreasonable behaviour, short temper and lack of patience.

Diarrhoea / Constipation

Many Autistics have mild to severe bowel problems, diarrhoea or constipation

Lack of Eye Contact

Poor eye contact, failure to read non-verbal cues like facial expression, finger pointing.

Echolalia

Repeating of the last sentence heard. Presumably to allow the brain more time to comprehend what has just been said.

Poor Social Interaction

Disinterested in play with others, perhaps preferring the company of adults, unaware of 'personal space' may sit too close. Inappropriate attempt to play with other. If play with others does occur, it may be more a case of playing 'on the side' as opposed to 'with' others. Play may be very much on the autistics 'terms'.

Obsessive Behaviour

Many Autistics exhibit obsessive tendencies, limited range of activities. Aron often becomes 'blinkered' on one subject and will keep going on about it until distracted.

Limited Diet

A large proportion of Autistics are 'fussy' eaters. Refusing fruit and vegetables They seek grain, dairy and sweet foods. All the stuff that is excluded by the Casein and Gluten free diets. The food they crave are the ones that give them psycho active effect.

AutismRecoveryHandbook.pdf Describes 'Systemic Progressive Allergic Response'... Why our kids are hooked on their food.

Dilated Pupils

Aron's pupils are often more dilated that the rest of the family members. His cornea may be 75% pupil while ours are only 50%. Is this the effect of the Opiate Peptide theory?

Slow Reaction Time

Aron's reaction times are 30ms to 45ms (visual)

This article claims that Ritalin normalises reaction time in ADHD patients Ritalin ADHD Reaction Time.

Study from Pub Med Reaction times in Mentally Retarded, Autistic and Downs Syndrome kids

Here is an online Reaction Test Online Reaction Time Test