What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that typically
appears during the first three years of life. The result
of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning
of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have
been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism
is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and
knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family
income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect
the change of autism's occurrence.
Autism impacts the normal development of the brain
in the areas of social interaction and communication
skills. Children and adults with autism typically have
difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication,
social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with
others and relate to the outside world.
Autism is a spectrum disorder. In other words, the
symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves
in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe.
Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors,
children and adults can exhibit any combination of behaviors
in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the
same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another
and have varying skills.
Over one half million people in the U.S. today have
autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder.
Its prevalence rate makes it one of the most common
developmental disabilities. |
