AUTİSM AND PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Disorders that cause more than one impairment in social interaction, language development, and
behavioral areas that include multiple impairments and begin in early childhood are referred to as
pervasive developmental disorders. These diseases affect many areas of development and lead to
permanent and persistent dysfunctions.
1-AUTISM
Among the pervasive developmental disorders, autism is the most common. Autism occurs in the first
three years of life and causes delays and deviations in social relationships, communication and
behavior throughout the life of the individual. The autistic individual creates his own inner world,
unlike the realities of the external world. The greatest cause of autism is genetic, but various causes
play a role in the development of this disease. For example; some difficulties such as maternal illness
during pregnancy, oxygen deprivation during labor can alter the baby's brain development. Thus,
environmental and neurological factors come together and the risk of autism increases. It is an
important point that the autism ratings will vary in each child. In children who are tested for
intelligence, some areas may be more developed than others. This is the fact that children with autism
have very strong memories or their superior abilities.
The first indication of autism is that the child avoids establishing eye contact and is unresponsive to
the environment. They may not respond to what is said. Vocabulary is limited and they tend to repeat
what is said. They are disturbed by the crowded environments and may have difficulty in adjusting to
the society. Besides these, some diseases can also be seen in children with autism. Besides these, some
diseases can also be seen in children with autism. They can be found in the environment and in selfinjurious behaviors, may have anger attacks, and some autistic children may experience eating
disorders.
2-ASPERGER SYNDROME
Asperger syndrome is a disorder that starts in childhood and affects one's social life. The symptoms
are generally similar to those of autism, but there is no speech or language problem in individuals with
asperger syndrome. They even have the ability to learn things from their interests more quickly than
their peers.
Asperger's syndrome is usually diagnosed between 4 and 11 years of age. Typical statements include
isolation from the social circle, repetition of behavior, and excessive intolerance. Language
development is normal in people with Asperger syndrome, and some may have superior
intelligence. They may have difficulty in understanding emotions and they can talk as if they are giving
lessons. Mental obsessions can be seen in some of them. Those with this disorder are rigidly connected
to their routine. Asperger syndrome can occur with other diseases. Attention deficit and hyperactivity
impairment and depression are examples of this.
People with Asperger syndrome can successfully carry out activities in their daily life. The treatment
has to last for the life of the person, but with the right treatment the indication of the disease is greatly
reduced.
3-RETT SYNDROME
Rett syndrome is a neurological disorder usually seen in girls. Children with Rett syndrome develop
normally up to 6-18 months after birth. After this process, multiple disorders occur in the child and a
regression enters the process. The child begins to lose communication skills and the hand skills he has
learned. Immediately afterwards, they begin to perform certain hand movements (hand bending or
hand-washing-like movements). It also occurs in problems such as gait disturbances and regression in
mental development. They look at people, but they can not communicate.
Scoliosis, muscle weakness, muscle abnormalities, bone fractures, difficulty swallowing, and
respiratory function disorders are seen with this disease. Despite all this, a patient with rett syndrome
can live to the middle age, and the person will continue to learn in the response.
4-HELLER SYNDROME
This disease is known as heller's syndrome or disintegrative psychosis. It occurs after 3 years of age.
Difficulties in speaking, motor skills and social functions begin to appear. Researchers still do not
know the cause of this rare disease. The age at which the tension will emerge can vary from person to
person. While some people appear in time, some may suddenly regress.
It is associated with severe mental disorders and locodystrophy. Epilepsy can also be seen. The first
indication of Heller syndrome is an increase in anxiety and loss of speech. Then the body may start to
lose all its functions and capabilities. If the situation worsens, death can result.
Because the individual has a serious loss of self-care skills, inpatient treatment is usually practiced in
the clinic. Treatment must be carried out together with psychotherapy and medicines.
5-ATYPICAL AUTISM
Atypical autism is valid for people who have some symptoms of autism but are not enough to
diagnose. The difference from autism is that speech disorders are not permanent with proper treatment.
With the progression of the age of the person, the diagnosis may change and the person may return to
normal.
The lack of sense of humor and distress in human relations are seen in atypical autism. They do not
behave in harm's way. They may have learning difficulties, but they can be very successful in what
they are interested in. On the other hand, obsessive behaviors and obsessive rituals are more common
in this type of autism, which can lead to panic attacks.