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ELEVATE YOUR
Getting to knowUnderstanding autism
spectrum disorder (ASD)
AUTISMbegins with asking the
right questions.
IN GEORGIA, APPROXIMATELY one of every 64 children lives “Autism is a true spectrum. Some individuals with a number of
with ASD. Meet the disease that affects so many people in our neurological vulnerabilities and some with only one or two,” says
community. Melanie Shell, CCC-SLP, pediatric speech language pathologist
with Pediatric Outpatient Rehab, Navicent Health. “Both ends of
WHAT’S YOUR NAME? the spectrum require early intervention to have the best outcomes.
There is help available and hope for a good quality of life.”
ASD gets its three-part name from three ideas.
“Autism” literally means “self-ism,” reflecting how people with Finally, “disorder” represents how ASD causes difficulties for the
people who live with it.
ASD have unique perspectives on the world. Because ASD usually
causes communication issues, people who have the condition “If you could imagine going through life not understanding why
sometimes have difficulty understanding others. others may think differently from you, you may feel like you’re
in a huge social maze, which can be incredibly frustrating,” says
“Spectrum” focuses on the many kinds of ASD. The condition may Elizabeth Young, MD, behavioral and developmental pediatrician
be divided into three main categories: with Navicent Health. “If you observe that frustration in your child,
»» Classic autism—Impacting roughly 20 percent of people living that may be the clue that your child is living with autism spectrum
disorder.”
with ASD, classic autism may cause symptoms that interfere
with everyday activities. WHAT DO YOU DO?
»» Asperger’s syndrome—Individuals with this level of ASD may
still be very capable in most areas of life. ASD is characterized by challenges with communication,
»» Atypical autism—This condition is most severe and may be relationship building and occupational functions, such as
linked to developmental issues.
12 navicenthealth.org | SPRING 2016
