what is autism?

Answer 1

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is so crucial.

Answer 2

Autism is a neurological (brain) disorder that affects 3 areas of functioning. These areas are communication, socailization, and the constant need for 'sameness'. Some autistics are mute meaning they don't speak. Other's have a limited vocabulary. Other's repeat only what other's have said. They may use pronouns incorrectly or repeat a question asked to mean 'yes'. For example, if I asked an autistic w/ this problem "Do you wan't some juice?" He/she would say "you wan't some juice" instead of yes. There are 3 common forms of autism. There's the classic form that's the more severe kind of autism, where it's believed that due to the childs 'disability' it's difficult to test their IQ's giving them low scores on these tests. They may suffer from other problems like banning their head against a wall or bitting their wrist. This issue can be controlled most of the time w/ medication and other meds may be used for an autistic who suffers from anxiety, ocd, depression, and even other disorders. Another form of autism, Aperger's Disorder (which I have) is mostly a social thing. 'Aspies' have normal IQ and have age appropriate Communication skills but lack the social graces to start and maintain conversation in our everyday lives. For me, I take medication for panic disorder and bipolar wich accomponies my asperger's disorder. The other common form of autism wich is also considered less severe than classic autsim is called pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified [or pdd-nos for short]. This is a kind of spectrum all in itself. This classification is given when a person meets some of the criteria for other autistic disorder's but not fully any specific one. Because of this, there is no 'typical' way to discribe this form of the disorder. Of cause w/ all autistic disorder's, there is a veryation of functioning, called high- and low- funcioning autism. The low- funcioning autism is what I believe most people think of when they hear the word autism. This is the classic type that has children who are either mute or who uses limited phrases or use echolalia [repetitious speech that's considered to have no meaning to either other's or the child]. The high- funcioning autism are the pdd-nos and asperger's disorder spectrums. These people have the normal iq range and will have age appropriate behavior except in the socail settings. Treatment of autism, asperger's, and pdd-nos vary from person to person. Some people don't need medication, however other's do. Some medication treatments include: anti-psychotics, add stimulants, 'mood stabilizer's', anti-depressants, anxyolitics (anti-anxiety medications), and clonodine / tenex. Intense therapy may be recommended for people with the more severe forms of the disorder, such as speech therapy and 'play therapy'. Most autistics grow up to be successful adults and function very well in socity. Other's may live in group homes and/or in specialized settings. All efforts are made to keep autistics from ending up in mental institutions, as was done in the past. Autism is not a result of bad parenting or lack of bonding as was believed by doctors in the past. Research has confirmed this. It is being studied but inconclusive if certain chemicals in vaccines may be causing the disorder to emerge. Most children with autism or diagnosed between the ages of 18months and 3years. Sometimes, with the higher- funcioning autistics it may be between 3 - 7 or until the child starts school. I hope all this info helps. Good Luck...

Andy...

Answer 3

Autism is a brain disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, reason and interact with others.
It affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity.
Autism is often found in combination with other disabilities.

one out of evey 250 babies will develop some form of autism
Autism is 4x more common in boys than girls
Autism typically appears by age 3 and is diagnosed based on observation.

Autism is not caused by vaccinations or bad parenting, it is thought to be genetic with a range of external or environmental triggers

Lack of communication and inability to interact socially are the 2 main factors

Answer 4

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior.

Answer 5

au·tism ( P ) (ôtzm)
n.
A psychiatric disorder of childhood characterized by marked deficits in communication and social interaction, preoccupation with fantasy, language impairment, and abnormal behavior, such as repetitive acts and excessive attachment to certain objects. It is usually associated with intellectual impairment.

Answer 6

i think its like having your own world, you're having a problem connecting with other people and the environment...

Answer 7

It's another way to say mentally retarted

Answer 8

http://www.autism-society.org

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=allaboutAutism

Answer 9

Duh.!