What is Autism?

Hello again! You may have some questions about autism. Autism Speaks has a lot of information that will answer your questions. Autism Speaks is an organization that was started by two grandparents of a child with autism. It has grown to be the largest autism science and awareness organization in the country. They raise both awareness and funds for research on autism.

So, you may be wondering, "What is autism?" Good question! Autism speaks defines autism as “a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder” and “a complex neurobioloical disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime.”

So, what is autism like? According to Autism speaks, autism has three main characteristics: impairment in social skills, impairment in communication skills, and repetitive movements. The intensity of these characteristics within people with autism can range from mild to severe, and they the person may show more of one characteristic and less of another. It is easy to get autism confused with disorders in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which includes Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and classical autism. In this blog we will be focusing primarily on classical autism, which is the most severe of all the syndromes.

How might a child with Classical Autism act? One of the common characteristic mentioned before was impairment in social skills. Autism Speaks says that many of the impairments can be seen in babies, even before the age of one year. They may not make eye contact with adults and other children, but would rather play on their own with a toy. They may seem unattached to close family members such as their mother and father. In addition, it may be hard for them to understand social cues by family or friends, such as change in tone or facial expressions.

Another common characteristic of autism is impairment in communication skills. Autism Speaks explains that this can also be seen at an early age. Some people with autism do not speak their entire life. Others may only babble, say single words, or simple sentences. They may have a large vocabulary but have trouble talking in a conversation with someone. It depends on the person.

The last common characteristic is repetitive movements. According to Autism Speaks, some children with autism may flap their arms or walk on their toes. From childhood to adulthood, they may have a common interest in one subject, such as vacuums, or Dr. Seuss.

You may be thinking, “What causes Autism?” The interesting fact is that professionals are not completely sure of the cause for autism, says Autism Speaks. Back in the 1940’s, the disorder was claimed by a psychiatrist to be the result of unloving mothers. Yet, this theory was disproven in the 60’s, and scientists now know that it is a biological disorder.

Finally, you may want to know, “What are some of the common signs that may indicate my child has autism? How can I know the difference in a simple delay and a disorder?” Stay tuned because next blog I will discuss common signs and red flags that a child may have autism.

Thank –you so much for reading my blog and please feel free to leave comments!

References:

Wright, B., & Wright, S. (n.d.). Autism Speaks, Home Page. Retrieved October 10, 2009, from http://www.autismspeaks.org