Autism
What is Autism? Infographic & Flyer
There is no one type of autism, but many.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities that are typically associated with challenges of varying severity in the areas of social interaction, communication, and repetitive/restricted behaviors. Autism is a brain disorder that typically appears during the first three years of life.
As its name implies, ASD is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity; no two people with ASD are the same. ASD is typically diagnosed in children, but it is a lifelong disorder that affects individuals of all ages. ASD also is often found in combination with other disabilities.
What Causes ASD?
Although it was first identified in 1943, no one knows exactly what causes ASD, and research to discover its cause is ongoing. Recent research suggests that there is a strong genetic component. Some research suggests a physical problem that affects the parts of the brain that process language and information; other research points to an imbalance of brain chemicals. A variety of external and environmental triggers are also being studied. It is possible that ASD is caused by a combination of several factors.
The overall incidence of ASD is consistent around the globe, but it is five times more prevalent in boys than girls. ASD knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, and family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of occurrence.
Signs and Symptoms
People with ASD may have problems with social, behavioral, and communication skills. They might repeat behaviors and might not understand change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. A person with ASD might:
Have severe language deficits or differences
Talk about or show interest in a restricted range of topics
Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over)
Not look at objects when another person points at them
Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
Prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to
Appear to be unaware when people talk to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia)
Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
Laugh, cry, or show distress for no apparent reason
Repeat actions over and over again, often in a very stereotyped manner.
Have trouble adapting when a routine changes
Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
Be oversensitive or under-sensitive to pain
Lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using)
You can contact ART by calling 1-888 AUTISM2 (288-4762), en Español: 1-888-772-9050, or by emailing familyservices@autismspeaks.org.
From Autism Speaks