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 behaviours have been  

     estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 195 individuals (2005). 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. Persons 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.

     Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental    

     disabilities. Yet most of the public, 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.

     As a person with autism, children can learn and function productively and    

     show gains from appropriate education and treatment.

    What Causes Autism?

     Several outdated theories about the cause of autism have been proven to be

     false. Autism is not a mental illness. Children with autism are not unruly kids  

     who choose not to behave.  Autism is not caused by bad parenting.

     Furthermore, no known psychological factors in the development of the child

     have been shown to cause autism.

     What are People with Autism Like?

     Autism is a combination of several developmental challenges. The following

     areas are among those that may be affected by autism:

     Communication:

     language develops slowly or not at all; uses words without attaching the

     usual meaning to them; communicates with gestures instead of words; short

     attention span;

     Social Interaction:

     spends time alone rather than with others; shows little interest in making

     friends; less responsive to social cues such as eye contact or smiles;

     Sensory Impairment:

     may have sensitivities in the areas of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste

     to a greater or lesser degree;

     Play:

     lack of spontaneous or imaginative play; does not imitate others' actions;

     does not initiate pretend games;

     Behaviours:

     may be overactive or very passive; throws tantrums for no apparent reason; 

     perseverates (shows an obsessive interest in a single item, idea, activity or

     person); apparent lack of common sense; often has difficulty with changes in

     routine.

     Approximately 25-30 percent may develop a seizure pattern at some period

     during life.

     Every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals, has a

     unique personality and combination of characteristics.

     People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways.

     Educators and other service providers must consider the unique pattern of

     learning strengths and difficulties in the individual with autism when

     assessing learning and behaviour to ensure effective intervention. Individuals

     with autism can learn when information about their unique styles of receiving

     and expressing information is addressed and implemented in their programs.

     The abilities of an individual with autism may fluctuate from day to day due to

     difficulties in concentration, processing, or anxiety.

     Contrary to popular understanding, many children and adults with autism may

     make eye contact, show affection, smile and laugh, and demonstrate a variety

     of other emotions, although in varying degrees. Like other children, they

     respond to their environment in both positive and negative ways.

      Sometimes the touch or closeness of others may be painful to a person with

      autism, resulting in withdrawal even from family members.

     * The communication and social deficits continue in some form throughout life.

      Is There A Cure?

     In the medical sense, there is no cure for the differences in the brain which

     result in autism.

Other Links of Information

Diagnostic Criteria

What are the Differences between Autism and PDD?