General Facts on Autism
General facts on autism to benefit those who want to learn more about autism.
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What is Autism?
Autism is a progressive developmental and biological disorder. With autism, children who have problems are said to have autism spectrum disorder, however this is not always the case.
The number of people with autism has increased four times more than it was 30 years ago, but unfortunately the cause of autism is unknown. However, genetic biochemical and neurological factors are currently being researched.
Autism affects approximately one in every 1000 people world-wide.
There are four times as many males with autism as there are females with autism in the world. However with early intervention programmes, specialised education and community support, people with autism can lead a prosperous and meaningful life.
Today, there are improved methods for detecting autism. This may explain the increased number in autistic children. In the past, many people with autism may not have been diagnosed with the condition.
Symptoms of Autism
There are many symptoms of autism ranging from mild to severe.
Some of these symptoms include:
· Difficulties interacting with others and making friends.
· Communication problems, which include spoken and non-verbal gestures.
· Sameness (intellectually disabled, but not in all cases of autism.)
· Repetitive movements, hand flapping and frequent tantrums.
Aspersers Syndrome
People who have a mild form of Autism are said to have what’s called Aspersers Syndrome.
What is the difference between autism and Aspersers Syndrome?
People with Aspersers have normal intellectual skills and start speaking at the same age as other children.
They don’t necessary have the difficulties in speech a person with autism has and can socialise a lot easier than an autistic person can.
When is Autism Diagnosed?
Children with autism usually do not look any different from another person.
A child with autism will usually develop normally in their first year of life.
Diagnosis of autism usually occurs early in life between the ages of two and three.
Children with autism usually gain skills but by the time they are diagnosed at the age of three they start to lose their skills that they previously developed.
There is no medical diagnosis with autism and doctors usually diagnose by observing behaviours.
Siblings of an affected child are at more risk of having autism.
The cause of autism is poorly understood, but it has been proven that poor parenting is not the cause.
Effects On The Family
A family member with autism can have a big effect on the family.
The upbringing of a child with autism can put strain and pressure on their parents, brothers and sisters.
Community outings such as shopping, going to the movies or meeting up with friends and family, can pose great difficulties both on the child with autism and the rest of the family.
People with autism like to live a very simple and structured life, where everything is laid out for them in a structured way. They like to know plans ahead of time and do not like change. This can affect some autistic people, who vent their frustration by screaming or throwing a tantrum.
Diagnosis of Autism
Diagnosis of autism is based on the following
· Social behaviour
· Communication
· Repetitive and restricted interest and activities
Adults with Autism
Over time, behaviour and skills may change in a person with autism, but independent living is achievable for some sufferers. Others may require support throughout their adult life.
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