Autism

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex neurological developmental disability appearing in first three years of life and the most common of the five Pervasive Development Disorders known as PDDs. Autism is a spectrum disorder that effects each person differently with varying degrees of strengths and challenges. As of December 2009, it was reported that Autism affects as many as 1 in 110 births (Centers for Disease Control, 2010) a rate that is currently growing 10-17% per year. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls and especially impacts development in areas of social skills, verbal and nonverbal communication, behavior and sensory systems.

 

Common Characteristics and Behaviors of Children with ASD

• Impairments in communication and social interaction
• Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors
• Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli

Example Behaviors Include:

• Solitary and detached
• Odd repetitive behaviors
• Difficulty expressing needs
• No speech in 40-50% of cases
• More interest in objects than other children
• Heightened sensitivity to sound, sight, smells, tastes and textures

 

Other Disorders with Similar Characteristics

Many challenges faced by autistic kids are shared by a broader community of special needs children including motor and neuromuscular challenges, cognitive, sensory and communication issues and visual and auditory impairment. Other disorders include Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Sensory Disorders, Vision and Auditory Deficiencies -- just to name a few
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