Autism is:
A complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. This causes discrepancies or differences in the way information is processed.
Autism is 4 to 5 times more prevalent in males than females. The rate of occurrence is estimated to be as many as 60 in 10,000 births. It is more common than Down's Syndrome, childhood cancer, or Fragile X Syndrome.
Autism is NOT a mental illness! It is not a classification for unruly children who chose not to behave. It is NOT caused by bad parenting. It cannot be diagnosed by a single medical test or a brief observation. Autism is also not always linked to mental retardation.
Although the exact cause of autism is not known, it is likely that it is not caused by one single factor. Autopsies of the brain have shown abnormalities in different areas of the brain. There is thought to be a genetic link, but it does not appear to be one specific gene.
It can be described by behavioral deficits in the areas of:
Communication - delays in spoken language, inability to sustain conversation, repetitive use of language (mimicking), failure to make eye-contact
Social Interaction - failure to develop peer relationships, lack of social reciprocity, does not spontaneously share enjoyment
Repertoire of Activities - inability to accept changes, stereotyped mannerisms, preoccupation with patterns of behavior that is abnormal in either intensity or focus, preoccupation with parts of objects
Asperger's Syndrome is sometimes referred to as high-functioning autism. Typically, there are no deficits in cognitive abilities or language development. It is normally characterized by impairments in social interactions, restricted interests and activities.
Children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome often have the following characteristics:
Significant impairment of nonverbal cues, inability to form developmentally appropriate social relationships, impaired expression of pleasure in the happiness of others, difficulty with social reciprocity, stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, preoccupation with restricted interests, adherence to rules, routines, and rituals that are not functional.
Do you know a young child who:
May not respond to their name?
Either does not speak any words or lost verbal skills around 18 months of age?
May not point or gesture?
May not interact with other children in a social manner?
May not play with toys appropriately?
Likes doing the same thing again and again?
If you have questions or concerns regarding a child, please contact your local school district and request an evaluation.
For further information, there are many websites you can visit. The Autism Society of America is a very good place to start!