Autism

What is it?

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals.

Autism is three times more prevalent in boys than girls and know no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism’s occurrence.

Over one half a million people in the US today have some form of autism. Its prevalence rate now places it as the third most common developmental disability-more common than Down Syndrome. Yet the majority of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields are still unaware of how autism affects people and how to work effectively with individuals with autism. So far, there is no known cure.

Characteristics:

Symptoms of Autism range from mild to severe and typically include:

Difficulty in communicating with others
Repetitious behaviors (such as rocking back and forth, head banging, or touching or twirling objects)
A limited range of interests and activities
Emotional upset at small change in their environment or daily routine

These symptoms can sometimes be seen in early infancy, however, the condition can appear after months of normal development.

Treatment:

Children and adolescents may benefit from:

Training in social and language skills
Programs where other children help teach children with autism
Parent training

Starting these services soon after a child is diagnosed with Autism may greatly improve his or her language, social skills, academic skills, and other abilities. More than three out of five children with autistic disorder, however, remain dependent when they are adults.

Source: “Mental Health Sensitivity Curriculum: Understanding Brain Disorders” By Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children, Inc.

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