What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Individuals with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

Over one half million people in the U.S. today have autism in some form or another. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. However, many people, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.

Autism is a spectrum disorder. This means that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Because of this, there is no "typical" person with autism. Family and caregivers may hear different terms used to describe individuals with Autism, such as: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled.

The most important thing though is to understand that wherever an individual lies in the spectrum of Autism, he/she can learn and function productively and show gains from appropriate education and treatment. The Autism Society of America provides information to serve the needs of all individuals within the spectrum.

Although a single specific cause of autism is not known, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. There is a suggestion that there is a genetic basis to Autism.

How is Autism Diagnosed?

For a physician to accurately diagnose Autism, he/she must observe the individual's communication, behavior, and developmental levels. This doesn't mean that a variety of tests won't be ordered. The tests are needed to rule out or identify other possible causes of the individual's symptoms.

The earlier the treatment the better the outcome for Autistic individual. Activities need to be structured. Therapy includes stimulation of all the senses and needs to be tapered to the individuals needs.

To be effective, any approach taken should be flexible. The approach needs to rely on positive reinforcement. It also needs to be re-evaluated often and provide a smooth transition from home to school to community environments. It is extremely important to also incorporate training and support systems for parents and caregivers, as they are vital to the progress of the individual.