What is autism?

// News / Ask Dr. Pat

By Patrick J. McGrath, OC, PhD, FRSC

Question:

I just visited some of my family from out of town. I have a cousin who is 15 years old whom I have not seen in many years. He is in a regular class and does quite well academically. His favourite subject is math and he spends all his time reading math books. He is quite a strange child. When people he doesn't know well speak to him, he looks away and doesn't respond for a while. If you wait and don't push him, he will respond but in an odd way. He and I got along well. His parents tell me he was discovered to have autism when he was in Grade 6. I am not an expert but this doesn't sound like autism to me. What do you think?

Dr. Pat responds:

I cannot provide a diagnosis in a column but the young man may have an autistic spectrum disorder. Autism is now thought to be a family of disorders.

The symptoms show up as significant problems in:

social development
communication
behaviour

Autism spectrum disorders are lifelong disorders that have no known cure.

The causes are unknown but genetics plays a role in some cases. At one time some experts said it was due to coldness in mothers. This is not true. Some have argued that it is caused by vaccinations but there is no evidence for this.

Although some children are severely disabled, many children can function quite well with autism. Early diagnosis and early intervention are very important. Thanks to the efforts of parents, many provinces have programs of early diagnosis and intervention.

Asperger's syndrome: a type of autism

One form of autistic spectrum disorder is Asperger's syndrome. Asperger's involves a severe disruption in social skills in spite of normal intelligence.

Children with Asperger's syndrome have difficulty reading social situations. They miss the social cues that most children pick up, such as taking turns or having normal eye contact.

Often, children with Asperger's have difficulty with normal conversations. Although their speech is correct, it may have unusual inflections. They may stand very close to people and intrude on their personal space. Consequently, they may be seen as rude.

Unfortunately, these children are often teased for their odd behaviour. Sometimes their parents are blamed for not teaching them manners.

Children with Asperger's may be preoccupied with a particular interest or have routines that they demand be followed. They may be sensitive to some sounds, light, tastes, or forms of touch.

With effort and understanding, children with Asperger's can improve some of their social skills but they will always have social problems.

Some with Asperger's syndrome find a niche in life that fits with their specific interests. For example, Glenn Gould, the phenomenally gifted Canadian classical musician, probably had Asperger's syndrome.

For more information, see the Autism Spectrum Disorder Resource Centre.

Patrick J. McGrath OC, PhD, FRSC is a clinical psychologist and a researcher. He is Professor of Psychology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry at Dalhousie University and Vice President - Research at IWK Health Centre in Halifax. He is also the CEO of the Strongest Families Institute, which provides mental health care to families across Canada.