autistic

autistic

 [aw-tis´tik]

pertaining to or exhibiting autism.

autistic disorder a pervasive developmental disorder beginning before age three; called also autism and infantile autism. Characteristics include impairment in reciprocal social interaction (for example, lack of awareness of the existence of feelings in others), in verbal and nonverbal communication, and in capacity for symbolic play, as well as by a restricted repertoire of activities and interests. There may also be cognitive impairment, abnormally increased or decreased reactivity to certain stimuli, stereotypic behaviors, neurological abnormalities such as seizures or altered muscle tone, sleeping or eating pattern abnormalities, and severe behavioral problems. There are no delusions, hallucinations, or incoherence, and the facial expression is intelligent and responsive. Often, children are self absorbed, inaccessible, and unable to relate to others, including parents; they may play happily alone for hours but have temper tantrums if interrupted. Language disturbances often include repetition of previously heard speech and reversal of the pronouns “I” and “you.” Individuals with the disorder may show any of a wide spectrum of behaviors.

The cause of the syndrome is unknown. Early intervention programs have improved outcomes for affected children. Research studies have demonstrated that a highly structured, specialized educational program tailored to the child's individual needs can result in significant improvement in functional ability, although autism usually affects a person through life. Programs should incorporate the parents and other caregivers to maximize effectiveness. Appropriate support services often enable the child to remain in the community rather than being institutionalized.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

au·tis·tic

(aw-tis'tik),

1. Pertaining to or characterized by autism.

2. A psychological term for an extreme narrowing of relationships to people and the larger world.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

autistic

adjective Referring to autism, autistic disorder.
noun A popular term for a person with autism.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

au·tis·tic

(aw-tis'tik)

Pertaining to or characterized by autism.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

Patient discussion about autistic

Q. What is childhood autism exactly?

A. i'm sorry to say but probably not..it's a pretty severe diagnosis. but i'm no expert on the subject and not a prophet. about what it means later in life- this should be fronted to a professional.
god bless.

Q. what is the definition of Autism? how would i know if one is autistic and the other one is not , or has only minor disorder ?

A. Autism is a brain development disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD) such as pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Diagnosis should be made if suspected, by a specialits in child psychiatry or child developement.

Q. What is the definition of Autism?

A. Autism is defined by symptoms from each of the following three categories: qualitative impairment in social interaction, impairment in communication, and restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior or interests.

By definition, the onset of autistic disorder is before the age of 3 years, although in some cases, it is not recognized until a child is much older.

You may read more here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autism.html

This content is provided by iMedix and is subject to iMedix Terms. The Questions and Answers are not endorsed or recommended and are made available by patients, not doctors.