Autism

What is autism?

Autism is a range of complex neurodevelopment condition, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Although autism varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group. Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have this condition than females.

What are some common signs of autism?

The hallmark feature of autism is impaired social interaction. A child’s primary caregivers are usually the first to notice signs of autism. As early as infancy, a baby with autism may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods of time. A child with autism may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement.

Children with autism may fail to respond to their names and often avoid eye contact with other people. They have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling because they have difficulty understanding social cues, such as tone of voice or facial expressions, and may not watch other people’s faces for clues about appropriate behavior.

Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and twirling, or in self-abusive behavior such as biting or head-banging. Children with autism may also start speaking later than other children and may refer to themselves by name instead of “I” or “me.” Children with autism may find it difficult to play interactively with other children. Some speak in a sing-song voice about a narrow range of favorite topics, with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking.

(Text adapted from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm)

Myths and false statements about autism:

• Autism is 'curable'.
• He/she looked at me so he/she is not autistic.
• “Refrigerator” mothers (cold/unemotional) cause their children to be autistic.
• Self-stimulatory behaviors can/should be stopped. They serve no purpose.
• Individuals on the spectrum always have special or outstanding talents.
• Children with autism are not emotional or affectionate.
• Autistic people are unable to build relationships.
• People with autism are identical.
• Individuals with autism cannot speak or communicate.
• People with autism have limited intellectual abilities.
• Teasing, harassing and bullying rarely occur and don't affect the person with autism.
• A child with autism can 'outgrow' it.
• People with autism are not able to learn.
• Autism is caused by the MMR vaccine.
• Autism can be accurately diagnosed in a clinical setting in an hour or two.
• People with autism should be kept out of regular schools and placed into institutions.