my sister?

Question

has autism and i want to know if that is a mental disability? and please this is serious no dumb remarcks

Answer 1

The National Autism Association will be very helpful for you

http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/

Answer 2

Yes it is. She is "mentally disabled." The amount of disability depends on how severe her autism is. Some people with autism are very high functioning. They can be trained to hold jobs, live alone, etc.

Answer 3

Autism is a mental disability to an extent. it is really hard to tell how Autistic people think and what they think but i have seen that most are very intelligent. dont consider this as a disability as much as you would a challenge

Answer 4

Autism is not a mental disability. Autism is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder that a child is born with.

Answer 5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
http://trainland.tripod.com/retardation.pdf
http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/73.cfm

What is Autism?
Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Autism is characterized by three distinctive behaviors. Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling. Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when more debilitating handicaps mask it. Scientists aren’t certain what causes autism, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for autism. 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 autism: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines and interests. Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.
What is the prognosis?
For many children, autism 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.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. As part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, the NINDS and three sister institutes have formed the NIH Autism Coordinating Committee to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH’s autism research. More information about the Autism Coordinating Committee is available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/autismiacc/index.cfm. Eight dedicated research centers across the country have been established as “Centers of Excellence in Autism Research” to bring together researchers and the resources they need. The Centers are conducting basic and clinical research, including investigations into causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of autism.

Answer 6

depending on the severity of the autism.....if the autism is mild and she can function in everyday life then it is not a disability....if it impairs her ability to hold a job or do everyday tasks such as hygiene and eating then it shouldnt be considered a disability.

Answer 7

I was just asking my mum about this the other day.
Autism is a mental problem.
it is where a person is not awear of what is going on around them and lives in their own world.they have their own friends and their own place that makes them happy.

Answer 8

I have seen it labeled as a learning disability and a learning disorder.
As far as receiving medicaid or assistance with this, I think it varies with different states but most if not all do offer assisitance.

Answer 9

Yes it is, but it is far more complex than that label suggests, sometimes having biological, genetic, and environmental components.

Here's a good professional website with any info you might need about the illness.

Answer 10

It is a neurodevelopmental disorder.