What is Autism?

What is Autism???
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder,  and Asperger's Syndrome are just two of many
examples of different disabilities from the autistic spectrum. Autism affects a person's
ability to understand what they see, hear, or otherwise sense. It is a brain disorder
that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior abilities as well.
Individuals with ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal
communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects, and
events. No two people with ASD are the same. As its name implies, ASD is a spectrum
disorder that affects individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity.
Additionally is often found in combination with other disabilities.

What Causes Autism???
Although it was first identified in 1943, to this day no one knows exactly what causes
ASD.
However, research to discover its cause is ongoing. Many researchers believe that
there is a strong genetic component. Some research suggests a physical problem
affecting the parts of the brain that process language and information; other research
points to an imbalance of brain chemicals. A variety of possible external or
environmental triggers are also being studied. It is possible that ASD is caused by a
combination of several factors.

Whatever the cause, it is clear that individuals are born with ASD or with the potential
to develop it. ASD is NOT caused by bad parenting, and children and adults with ASD
are not people who choose to misbehave and cause trouble.

How Rare Is This Disorder???
ASD is the second most common developmental disability following mental retardation.
ASD is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis
combined. It is estimated that up to 1 out of every 150 children born today has some
form of ASD. This means that approximately 1.5 million Americans (children and
adults) have ASD today, and that more than 15 million Americans (loved ones,
caregivers, educators, and health care providers) are directly impacted by this
disorder. In the state of North Carolina alone there are over 50,000 individuals living
with ASD.

The overall incidence of ASD is consistent around the globe, but is four 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 the
disorder's occurrence. While ASD is typically diagnosed in children, it is a lifelong
disorder that affects individuals of all ages.

What Are The Signs Of Autism???
People with ASD may have problems with social, behavioral and communication skills.
They might repeat certain 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 the world around them.

A child or adult with ASD might:
*have severe language deficits or differences
*talk about or show interest in a restricted range of topics
*not point to objects to show interest
*not look at objects when another person points to 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 other people talk to them but respond to other sounds
*repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of
         normal language (echolalia)
*have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or emotions
*laugh, cry, or show distress for no apparent reason
*repeat actions over and over again
*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 the once were using).

How Is Autism Diagnosed???
There are no actual medical tests that diagnose ASD. An accurate diagnosis is made
by a team of multidisciplinary professionals and is based on observation of an
individuals communication, behavior, and developmental levels. However, because
ASD shares behavioral characteristics with other disorders, medical test may be
ordered to rule out the possible causes for the symptoms being exhibited. A brief
observation in a single setting cannot present a true picture of an individual's abilities
and behaviors. Parental input and developmental history are very important in making
an accurate diagnosis.

How Is Autism Treated???
At this time no cure has been found for ASD. However, with individualized treatment,
education, and support, children with ASD can improve and develop skills that will
allow them to live and participate in their community. Studies now show that individuals
with ASD respond well to a highly structured, specialized education program tailored to
their needs, and that early intervention provides the most positive outcomes.