Autism is a brain disorder that too often results in a lifetime of impaired thinking, feeling, and social functioning -- our most uniquely human attributes. It typically affects a person's ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and respond appropriately to the external world. The disorder becomes apparent in children generally by the age of 3.
Autism (sometimes called "classical autism") is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the
autism spectrum disorders.
Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have it than females. Girls with autism tend to have more severe symptoms and greater cognitive impairment.
Characteristic Behaviors of Autism
- Have difficulties with social interaction
- Display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication
- Exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests.
Some people with the condition can function at a relatively high level, with speech and intelligence intact. Others have serious cognitive impairments and language delays, and some never speak.
In addition, individuals with autism may seem closed off and shut down, or locked into repetitive behaviors and rigid patterns of thinking. An infant may avoid eye contact, seem deaf, and abruptly stop developing language. The child may act as if unaware of the coming and going of others, or physically attack and injure others without provocation. Infants with autism often remain fixated on a single item or activity, rock or flap their hands, seem insensitive to burns and bruises, and may even mutilate themselves.
Scientists aren't certain what causes autism, but it's likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
There is no cure for the disorder. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement.
The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that target the core symptoms of the condition:
- Impaired social interaction
- Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication
- Obsessive or repetitive routines and interests.
Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.
For many children, symptoms improve with treatment and with age. Some children with autism grow up to lead normal or near-normal lives. Children whose language skills regress early in life, usually before the age of 3, appear to be at risk of developing
epilepsy or
seizure-like brain activity.
During adolescence, some children with autism may become depressed or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed.
Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities. Individuals are of all races and ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Current estimates suggest that approximately 400,000 individuals in the United States have autism.
Autism is three to four times more likely to affect boys than girls. It occurs in individuals of all levels of intelligence. Approximately 75 percent are of low intelligence, while 10 percent may demonstrate high intelligence in specific areas such as math.
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