Autism and Asperger's

Autism is not a singular disorder. There are many forms of

autism and marked range of severity of the autism related
behaviours. Asperger’s is a form of autism but varies
significantly in the symptoms manifested. Asperger’s is not
simply a “milder” type of autism nor is Asperger’s a “high
functioning” form of autism. Rather Asperger’s is best
understood as a separate disorder from the many other forms
of autism.

There has been a huge increase in recent years in the incidence of

children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Recent studies
have suggested a threefold increase has occurred in the incidence
of these disorders in the last ten years.  As the term ASD implies,
autism is not a unitary disorder.  There are many forms of ASD that
can vary in terms of behavioral characteristics and severity.  Some
ASD children can have severe delays in terms of intellectual
development whereas others can proceed to higher learning.  Some
autistic children show no awareness of others as emotional beings
and therefore absolutely no interest in social interaction.
Asperger’s children, on the other hand, often are well aware of
others but lack the social skill development to engage in age-
appropriate social interaction.

The treatment of ASD children is one area in which unqualified

therapists can do considerable harm.  Treatment must be guided
by a brain map.  Some ASD children have a considerable excess of
brainwave amplitude over the entire brain. Reduction of that
excess can be very effective in the treatment of these children.
However, there are many locations that must be avoided or calmed
during treatment to prevent the exacerbation of the autistic
behaviors while other brain areas are being treated.

Our clinic is one of the few centers in North America that can treat
severe cases. Often ASD children cannot participate in the regular
forms of neurotherapy that require some degree of volition. Our
clinic is the leading center in North America in the development of
the nonvolitional braindriving technologies that are used for
ASD children.

Some very interesting books by and about individuals with ASD

include:  Songs of the Gorilla Nation by Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes;
The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon;  The Curious Incident of the
Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.