The Definition Of The Pervasive Developmental Disorder
The Greek word “autos”, meaning “self,” was used to give the name “autism” and “autistic” to describe 19 children who were qualitatively very different from children with childhood schizophrenia. (Cipani, 2011) Autism can also be called Pervasive and Developmental Disorders (PDD), and an Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD). These disorders are characterized by a child with severe impairments in the ability to communicate and socialize with others. They also have a limited range of interests and activities. (APA, 2000). The autism child doesn’t seem to be able to communicate with others, and has difficulties communicating verbally and nonverbally. They also have a tendency to play with unusual interests.
Autism is a neurological disease that affects biological functions. It is most commonly diagnosed before age 3. The diagnosis of autism is based on three criteria. They are sometimes called the “triad impairments”. These criteria are: 1) “Qualitative impairment in social interactions 2) qualitative impairments on communication 3) restricted patterns of behavior that are repetitive and stereotypical (DSM IV-IV, 2000). There is strong scientific evidence to suggest that various environmental and genetic factors may play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorders. (WHO 2013) Autism’s first symptoms, such as sleeping problems and feeding issues, can go unnoticed because they are common for many children within the first year. The parents may have difficulty comforting their child as he becomes more independent and prefers to play by himself. The child isn’t attentive and gives more importance to objects than men. The child may get excited and jump for joy. Four times more boys have autism than girls. Every day, 53 babies in America are born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deemed autism a national problem of public health. It is still not known what the cause or cure was. Autism is a spectrum of behaviorally defined “pervasive developmental disorder” that are commonly known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ASD is characterized by a lack of social communication, limited interests, repetitive behaviors and lifelong disabilities. ASD can affect up to 1 in 8 American children. Although the prevalence rates of ASD have increased dramatically over the past two decades, little is known about their increase. A survey of adult population epidemiology suggests that there may not have been an actual increase in prevalence rates. However, it’s possible that the apparent increase may be caused by a widening of definitions, increasing awareness, or diagnostic substitution.
No matter what the cause, there are currently more than 2,000,000 Americans with ASD. ASD is a condition that has not been treated with any consistent preventive measures. ASD can cause permanent disabilities and significant social and financial burdens for the affected person and their families. (Thurm, 2012)
To determine the knowledge of autistic children’s parents. This research would help policy makers to train caregivers in autism care. The caretakers would benefit from being able to identify the child as soon as possible. It might be useful to find out the level at which parents are able to comprehend the autism. If this information is available, the program can be tailored to meet the needs of each parent. It might also help to understand the differences between the autism awareness and the ignorance of parents.
