Autistic Citizens Residential &
Resources Society of Victoria Inc.

Autism

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• Autism Background
• Autism Diagnosis & Definition

Autism Background

Autism is a relatively newly identified disability, it was recognised as a distinct syndrome by an American psychiatrist, Leo Kanner in 1943.   Initially there was only academic interest in the condition, however, service provision development began during the late 1950's in Europe and the U.S.A.   Within Victoria no services were provided specifically for children with Autism until 1968.

Autism is an often misunderstood condition, it occurs in approximately 20 to 25 per 10,000 children. It occurs in males about 4 or 5 times more frequently than in females.   People with Autism may have average or above average intellectual abilities, but, in about half of cases there is a degree of intellectual impairment.

The A.C.R. & R.S.V.Inc. support individuals who display Autism spectrum disorders or Pervasive Developmental Disorders (D.S.M. - iv classification) such as Aspergers syndrome and others who display the main characteristics of Autism.

Autism Diagnosis and Definition

People with Autism have 3 main problems over and above that of any intellectual disability, these are:

1. Pervasive difficulties in the area of understanding and coping with interpersonal relationships and social interactions.
2. Impairment in the development, use and understanding of all forms of communication including verbal, gestural, facial expression and touch, up to 50% of people with autism never develop any meaningful speech.
3. Impaired ability to cope with change in the persons environment, routine or surroundings.

Together with these impairments there are often present behavioural difficulties and abnormal sensory responses. Generally there is no typical physical disability associated with autism.   Epilepsy occurs in approximately 20% of individuals.

Although much research has been carried out into the causes of autism, no answers have yet been forthcoming. Also over the years many varied "cures" have been promoted, none have been proved to be successful by independent research. At present the most appropriate assistance that can be given to Individuals who display autistic characteristics is the implementation of a carefully developed and structured behaviourally based educational program.   Research has shown that this approach has given the best results in the improvement of the persons skill development, social competencies and personal dignity.

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