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Three theories explain characteristics of ASD
1. Impaired Theory of Mind
Simply put it is the lack of ability for a person with ASD to be able to put themselves in the shoes of another person.
2. Weak Central Coherence
The ability to pay attention to the small details but a difficulty observing the overall picture.
3. Impaired Executive Function
These functions include; organizational and planning abilities, working memory, inhibition and impulse control, time management and prioritizing, and using new strategies

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1. Genetics
Specific chromosomal abnormalities such as fragile X syndrome, or 2, 7, 15, 16, and 19. Other issues may be mother's age, low birth weight, exposure to psychotropic medication
2. Neurology
Studies show a dysfunction of two chemicals in the brain; serotonin and dopamine.
3. Possible Errors in Metabolism
Children born with phenylketuria, a enzyme deficiency that changes amino acid phenlalanine into tyrosine.
4. Infections in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
Certain viral infections such as herpes virus during pregnancy, post meases encephalitis and during childhood. There are no links to vaccincations causing the disorder.
5. Autoimmune Disorders
A family history of autoimmune disorders such as Type-1 diabetes, asthma, crohn's disease, celiac disease,  and arthritis.
6. Gender Differences
It is diagnosed more in boys then in girls a 4 to 1 ratio.

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TODAY - WATCH: 30 minutes - that's all the time autistic... | Facebook

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WATCH: 30 minutes - that's all the time autistic British artist Stephen Wiltshire needed to memorise the whole of Mexico City. More news at www.TODAYonline.com. (Video: AFP)

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1. Social Reasoning
At one end of the specturm the child with be aloof and actively avoid social interactions. On the other end of the spectrum, a child may want to have friends but is delayed in maturity and often lacks social clues.
2. Langauge Abilities
May include the child who is silent, or has only sound, may have a good understanding of language but unable to express themselves. The child may also have echolalia, an act of repeating wht others say.
3. Cognition
The child is interested in sensory rather than functional play things, engaged in "perspective, symmetry, and order". It is important to note that not all aspects of cognition are troubled, some times the child can develop skills of a savant.
4. Special Interests
Children with the disorder are known to have intense special interests that can often change over the years and at different stages of development. Interests are commonly exhited by repeating of facts, and sole focus.
5. Sensory Sensitivity
Individuals describe sensory issues as very different from what others face, bright lights are blinding, and some noises are deafening. Pain may not be communicated, and certain textures are comforting.
6. Expression and Management of Emotions
The children are unable to echo emotions, some are unable to enjoy affection or give it.

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Nutella Bread Recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eHPkpCGdEY Learn more about Autism with these Tools and Resources: NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity: http://amzn.to/1MeQvSu Autism Breakthrough: The Groundbreaking Method: http://amzn.to/1PiTfUb 101 Games and Activities for Children With Autism: http://amzn.to/1Ru8qsR Stack It Peg Game With Board Occupational Therapy Game: http://amzn.to/1Zd77Us The

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Asperger syndrome is not included in the DSM-V, although the term is still used when discussing individuals on the lower severity scales. In Asperger's individuals the ability to communicate and participate in intellectual activities are higher functioning. Interestingly, the term will still be used by clinicians as that it has been in use for 20 years now and is a well understood term amongst the public.

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Level 3
"Requiring substantial support"
-Severe deficits in verbal and non verbal social communication skills
-Limited social engagements or interactions
-Inflexibility in routine, behavior, unable to deal with change of venue, thought processes, and activities

Level 2
"Requiring Substantial Support"
- Struggles with communication, both verbal and non verbal.
- Lack of ability to cope and adapt to social situations
- Difficulty dealing with change
- Inflexibility in routine, behavior, and the inability to deal with change enough to be obvious to a casual observer

Level 1
"Requiring support"
- Without support in place the individual will exhibit social deficits
- Lack of interest in social interactions and some difficulties in these events
- Ability to speak in full sentences
- Difficulty attempting to change activities, in organization

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Diagnostics
1.  The lack of ability for an individual to have normal social interactions, such as back and forth conversation. Other signs include lack of engagement in in interests.
2.  Lack of eye contact and  understanding of common gestures . May not engage in forms of communication.
3. May have difficulties forming relationships and maintaining them. Unable to adapt to social situations, lack of imagination.
4. Repetitive motor movements, and speech.
5. Rigid to patterns of time, thinking, , routines, diet, and travel
6. Limited interests, with an intensity for some.

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Dance off

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Autistic boy William Ryan, 8, nails Thriller dance - ORIGINAL

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Winning entry - 8 Year old William Ryan performing Michael Jackson's Thriller In front of Aspects Holidays' St Ives webcam during October half term 2016. Following his victory, William's mum Gemma had this to say: "Can I just take the opportunity on behalf of my husband and myself to thank you all for all the wonderful and kind comments.