What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological developmental difference that effects the way a person thinks, communicates, feels, and interacts with others in the world around him or her. It is not a disease. Instead, it is a spectrum disorder, which means it ranges in severity in each individual affected. No two individuals with autism are alike. Just like people without autism are unique from others, people with autism are unique from others with autism. Autism affects more boys than girls. The reason for this is unknown. There is no known cause or cure. Autism is lifelong, but very treatable. The earlier it is recognized and treated, the better the prognosis.

1 in 150 children has autism

There are several subtypes of autism:

Kanner's Autism:

This type of autism has an early onset (before age 3). These individuals have significant delays in language, social interaction, and pretend play. Some symptoms include but are not limited to: your baby does not coo or babble, does not reach arms to be picked up, limited or no eye contact, bazaar attachments to objects instead of people, unusual response to sensory stimuli. People with autism may have severe learning disabilities, and usually need constant support with daily living activities. Those who suffer from autism must have intensive therapy to master milestones that others acquire normally. With treatment, autistic individuals have a better chance to lead productive, fulfilling lives.

PDD,NOS:

This type of autism is identical to Kanner's type of autism but does not meet the full criteria for diagnosis of Kanner's type.

Asperger's Syndrome:

This type of autism is very similar to Kanner's autism, but with no significant language delay. As a matter of fact, many of these people have strong language usage. It is not unusual that children with this disorder may have even been looked at as 'Little Professors'. Individuals that present with Asperger's Syndrome usually have no or mild learning disabilities. It is often looked at as a 'social' disorder. People with Asperger's syndrome may appear socially odd or naive. They usually want to make friends, but lack the skill in maintaining a friendship as neurotypicals do. Onset may be later than 3, and some that have been previously diagnosed with ADHD later have been diagnosed with asperger's syndrome.