Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes , and cancer combined. Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Boys are four more times likely than girls to have autism.
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex neuro-developmental disorders also known as Pervasive
Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These disorders are characterized in varying degrees, by challenges related to: 1) Communication, 2) Social Interaction, 3) Restrictive or repetitive behaviors and interests.
People with autism may also experience other difficulties including medical issues, differences in coordination and muscle tone, sleep disturbances, altered eating habits, anxiety or disordered sensory perceptions.
What causes Autism? Research is now discovering there is NO ONE CAUSE of autism just as there is there is no one type of autism. Over the last 5 years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. Most cases of autism
appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
People with autism may display some or all of these characteristics: 1) Difficulty understanding language, gestures and/or social cues, 2)Limited or no speech, 3) When there is speech, it can be repetitive or relate primarily to one particular topic, 4) Limited or no eye contact, 5) Difficulty participating in back and forth conversations or interactions, 6) Social awkwardness, 7) Intense interest in unusual topics or objects, 8) Repetitive behaviors, such as pacing or lining things up, spinning, hand flapping or rocking, 9)Sensitivity to light, sound, smell or touch, 10) Abnormal fears and/or lack of appropriate fear for real dangers, 11) Difficultly managing transitions, changes in routine, stress and frustration, 12) Strong visual skills, 13) Good rote learning and long term memory skills (math facts, sports statistics, etc.) 14) Adherence to rules, 15) Intense concentration or focus, especially on a favorite activity,16) Ability to understand and retain concrete concepts and patterns, 17) Strong interest and/or ability in mathematics, technology, music and art.
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex neuro-developmental disorders also known as Pervasive
Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These disorders are characterized in varying degrees, by challenges related to: 1) Communication, 2) Social Interaction, 3) Restrictive or repetitive behaviors and interests.
People with autism may also experience other difficulties including medical issues, differences in coordination and muscle tone, sleep disturbances, altered eating habits, anxiety or disordered sensory perceptions.
What causes Autism? Research is now discovering there is NO ONE CAUSE of autism just as there is there is no one type of autism. Over the last 5 years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. Most cases of autism
appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
People with autism may display some or all of these characteristics: 1) Difficulty understanding language, gestures and/or social cues, 2)Limited or no speech, 3) When there is speech, it can be repetitive or relate primarily to one particular topic, 4) Limited or no eye contact, 5) Difficulty participating in back and forth conversations or interactions, 6) Social awkwardness, 7) Intense interest in unusual topics or objects, 8) Repetitive behaviors, such as pacing or lining things up, spinning, hand flapping or rocking, 9)Sensitivity to light, sound, smell or touch, 10) Abnormal fears and/or lack of appropriate fear for real dangers, 11) Difficultly managing transitions, changes in routine, stress and frustration, 12) Strong visual skills, 13) Good rote learning and long term memory skills (math facts, sports statistics, etc.) 14) Adherence to rules, 15) Intense concentration or focus, especially on a favorite activity,16) Ability to understand and retain concrete concepts and patterns, 17) Strong interest and/or ability in mathematics, technology, music and art.