Viewpoints
Autism Disorder
By Oscar V. Cruz
THE Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, American Psychiatric Association (DMS-IV 1995, pp. 66-71) – a much respected and used Manual on Psychiatry – says the following about Autistic Disorder, among many other substantive elements and consequent implications of the said Personality Disorder:
“Presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development of social interaction and communication and a markedly restrictive repertoire of activity and interests.”
(Layman’s translation:Loner)
“Marked impairment in the use of non-verbal behavior such as eye to eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction.”
(Layman’s translation: Impersonal)
“Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests and achievements with other people.”
(Layman’s translation: Self-contained)
“Lack of social and emotional reciprocity.”
(Layman’s translation: Indifferent)
“Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted pattern of interests that is abnormal either in intensity and focus.”
(Layman’s translation: Self-preoccupied)
So it is that the basic features or marked indications of “Autistic Disorder” consist in a well-noticeable impaired personality development in one’s socio-affective interaction and communication. And so it is that someone with autism has seriously restricted interests and pursuant activities.
Needless to say, an individual with autism may try hard to be otherwise, especially so when made conscious of what others think and/or say about him. But the Personality Disorder remains – apparently with no permanent cure found up to this time. Autism is not something self-caused. Instead it is commonly held that it has a blood-line origin.
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