Can someone explain what autism is to me?

Question

What exactly is autism? What are the different types? What are the characteristics of people who do have autism?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Thank you for your query. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Do visit:- http://www.displaysforschools.com/autism.gif

In short, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-biological condition, the cause of which is not yet fully known. It is generally assumed that autism has complex genetic links combined with environmental triggers. It is a spectrum and people with autism may be mildly or severely affected depending on where in the continuum there conditions lie. Autism has been on epidemic rise, currently affecting 1 in every 166 children. It is generally diagnosed at the age of three.

As for the symptoms, I'll quote from a contributor named Smart Kat.

"The top three signs of autism are;
1. Social Impairment such as;
a. No eye contact, pointing, or gestures to communicate.
b. Doesn't show off items. "Look at what I have!" type behaviour, or otherwise share interest or enjoyment with others.

2. Impairments in Communication such as;
a. Delay in, or total lack of speech
b. Or with Asperger's, marked impairment in the
ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others.

3. Repetitive movements, patterns of behavior & interests such as;
a. Hand-flapping, rocking, etc.
b. Obsessions with objects or parts of objects.
c. Prefers to organize or line up items rather than actually "play" with them.
d. Inflexible adherence to routines & rituals. (My niece will throw a fit if the bus driver doesn't stop at every normal stop even if the child at that particular stop didn't come to school that day, therefore doesn't need to be dropped off.

There is not blood test, brain scan, or genetic testing that can determine if a child is autistic. Observation is necessary."

There already exist at Y!A a number of posts that contain the exactly the same contents of your own query, however. You may like to check the best responses posted there, too.

Best wishes,
Mother of a child with autism.

Answer 2

there's no longer something dehumanising in explaining on your daughter that a sprint area of this guy or woman would not paintings particularly how this is going to. this is merely the comparable because of the fact the way that some human beings's eyes do no longer paintings particularly ideal and that they choose glasses, some human beings's ears do no longer and that they want a listening to help, some human beings's legs do no longer and that they use a wheelchair... yet with autism it is not particularly particularly elementary to repair so we could desire to understand that the guy unearths it greater no longer elementary to have interplay with others.

Answer 3

First off, you can't "heal" it. It's a mental disorder that most times causes severe social issues, but it varies greatly. If you'd like more information, email me at [e-mail], and I can have some important papers that my mom has found and written sent to you.

Answer 4

I cut and pasted this from a response I gave to another question...

1) Classic autism usually comprises deficits/delays in three areas: communication (language), social interaction and repetitive behavior. Children with classic autism show language delays e.g. no single words by age two and no phrases by age three. In the past, about 75% of individuals with autism also scored in the range of mental retardation on standardized IQ tests.

2) High-functioning autism refers to individuals who show impairment in all three areas BUT do not score in the range of mental retardation on IQ tests. How is this possible? IQ tests are typically divided into verbal vs. nonverbal tasks. Therefore, they may have severe language difficulties, but may score very well (in the "normal" range or above) on nonverbal tasks, such as puzzles. Someone like Charlie Babbit in the movie, "Rain Man," would be considered a high-functioning autistic individual.

3) Individuals with Asperger's Disorder show impairment in the areas of social interaction and repetitive behaviors (which includes obsessive interests). Theoretically, they showed no language delay as toddlers e.g. they used single words by age two and phrases by age three. However, their language as adults may be "odd," such as they might have trouble with "small talk" or carrying on a reciprocal conversation. In general, their scores fall into the low average, average and above average ranges on an IQ test.

4) Individuals with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) show difficulties similar to autism, but their behaviors do not meet the full critieria, such as they are not frequent or severe enough. However, they are considered different than people with Asperger's because they showed language delays as toddlers.

In "real life," the diagnostic criteria are somewhat "fluidly" applied. This is because as children develop, they may progress, and move from one diagnostic category to another (e.g. meeting criteria for autism at age three, but PDD-NOS at age seven). Plus, psychologists (and other professionals) may not always apply the criteria in the same way because they simply don't have the experience working with autistic individuals. AND, kids (and people) who fall on the spectrum are highly variable from one another. FINALLY, many people attach stigma to diagnoses, and they are seen as negative labels. In my opinion, the key is to view all individuals as individuals with strengths and weaknesses (like all of us) - diagnoses are only "keys" to open doors so that people can receive the help that they need to improve.

Answer 5

Hi,

I think you are best looking at the following site:
http://www.autismwebsite.com/ari/index.htm

There are some other links that may interest you as well.

Best wishes,
Greg

Answer 6

I am not sure what it is to you, but it is very devastating to the people who have autistic children. For more info. go to:
http://www.autism-society.org

Answer 7

There are many types like Assburgers, and many many more. It affects the brain but it also depends on the type of autisum.

Answer 8

THE BEST ANSWER IS FROM "THE DR IS IN"
I KNOW SOMEONE WITH ASBERGER'S SYNDROME. WITH PROPER AND LOVING CARE HE HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE.

Answer 9

i know what causes it and how to heal it! get in touch with me sometime!