Autism is a diagnosis that includes severe communication limitations, very abnormal development of relationships with others, and odd or repetitive patterns of behaviors. Autism is probably not one single condition, but instead a common cluster (or syndrome) of symptoms, with a number of different causes. Physicians, psychologists, and others who make this diagnosis do not always agree on when it is appropriate. Some use the label very often, to include individuals within a wide range of symptoms. Others reserve the term to describe those people who have severe symptoms, with a particular focus upon the lack of ability to form real human relationships.

Some children with Down's syndrome may seem to meet the criteria for autism. As mentioned above, however, communication problems are common in children with Down syndrome, and should not be the primary reason for diagnosing autism. Similarly, compulsive or slightly odd behaviors, can often occur in people with Down syndromes well as in other children with language limitations. Many parents report that their children with Down syndrome seem obsessed with a need to close doors. Others may tend to shake strings or socks, or engage in other behaviors interpreted as self stimulatory. These behaviors may be called autistic tendencies, but do not themselves justify the use of the diagnosis of autism.

Most children with Down syndrome are very social, and do not demonstrate the primary autism symptom of defective relationship formation. In fact this "socialness" is often a strategy used by children to overcome communication difficulties. Children with autism, on the other hand, tend to treat other people as objects, or as sources of gratification. Kids who seek out human company for interactive play or physical and emotional comfort are probably not autistic.

From:
Medical and surgical care for children with Down Syndrome, page 281
Woodbine House Inc 1995 ISBN 0-933149 54 9 ($14.95)

If your doctor is convinced that your child is autistic, here is a website that offers help and advice http://www.behavior.org

Relevant information:

• Secretin, which has been in the news as a treatment for Autism, receives a negative report
  (Dec. 9 1999)