What is Autism?
Article written by Autism
Today
Autism is one of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In 2007, the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network found that the incidence of ASD in 8 year old children is now 1 in 150 in the United States.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD's) include Autistic disorder, Asperger's Syndrome,
Pervasive Developmental Disorder—Not Otherwise Specified
(PDD-NOS), Rett Syndrome (which affects only girls) and
autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorders impair three main areas of
human development: speech, communication, and social
interaction. These impairments may range from mild to
severe.
Individuals on the autism spectrum may lack speech
altogether or may be delayed in their acquisition and
use of language. They may repeat words (echolalia) in
place of normal verbal communication and they may recite
entire lines of text from books, movies or computer
games out of context for no apparent reason. Some individuals
with autism never develop gestures such as pointing
to requested objects or waving good-bye. Individuals
with ASD's may find it difficult or impossible to hold
a conversation or may compulsively steer the conversation
to one subject.
In the area of social communication, there may be a
lack of response to verbal requests or no response when
the person's name is called. Similarly, they often fail
to connect to the names for other people and they often
confuse pronouns. Almost universally, individuals on
the autistic continuum are unable to interpret facial
expressions or emotions. They may establish only fleeting
eye contact, if they any at all. They also often experience
difficulty transitioning from one activity to another.
Many individuals with autism lack interest in socially
interactions. For children, there can be a lack of imaginative
play and a preference to engage in repetitive activities
for extended periods of time such as rewinding videos,
stacking blocks, or lining up toys. Many individuals
on the spectrum are perceived to be aloof or indifferent
to other people.
What causes autism?
No one is sure what causes autism but research seems
to suggest that it is caused by both genetic and environmental
factors such as vaccines or environmental toxins.
Is there a cure?
At present, there is no known cure for autism. Researchers
from the USA, Canada, and the UK hope to better understand
the disorder's biochemical origins and find a cure before
2010.
Many parents find that their children's symptoms and
behaviors improve with the elimination of gluten and
casein from diet and with the addition of nutritional
supplements.
Autism Today does not endorse any one method of treatment,
but we are dedicated to examining the latest research
and methods of treatments that allow you to make an
informed choice.
Where can I get more information?
Educating yourself and others about autism is a critical
way to enhance the well being of individuals with autism.
We believe that grassroots advocacy and one-on-one "consciousness
raising" helps society at large better understand
the nature of this common developmental disorder and
opens more doors of opportunity for people on the autism
spectrum.
To request additional information or to find answers
to other questions on autism, please click on any of
the links below. Be sure, too, to visit our
FAQ's section.
We are here to help!
Characteristics
of Autism
What are people with autism like?
Is
there more than one type of autism?
What
is Asperger's Syndrome?
What
causes autism and how is autism diagnosed?
What
is the DSM IV and how is it used to determine the diagnosis?
What
are the most effective approaches?
Is
there a cure and what is the prognosis?
Are you wondering whether a child you know may have
autism or Asperger's Syndrome? Take the "Mini Autism
Quiz."
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Today
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