Definition:

Early Infantile Autism

Description:

Early Infantile Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, and sensory abnormalities.

Subtypes:

There are different subtypes of autism spectrum disorder, including:

• Asperger Syndrome: Individuals with Asperger Syndrome have average or above-average intelligence but may experience difficulties in social interaction and display repetitive patterns of behavior.
• Rett Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder, mainly affecting females, characterized by severe cognitive and physical impairments.
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: A condition where a child experiences significant loss of previously acquired language, social, and motor skills after a period of normal development.
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): Individuals who exhibit some characteristics of autism but do not fully meet diagnostic criteria for any specific subtype.

Causes:

The exact causes of Early Infantile Autism are still unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms of Early Infantile Autism may include:

• Difficulty with social interaction and communication skills
• Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests
• Sensory sensitivities
• Delayed or atypical language development
• Difficulties with nonverbal communication

Treatment:

While there is no known cure for Early Infantile Autism, early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve outcomes. Treatment approaches often involve behavioral therapies, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and educational interventions tailored to the individual’s needs.