Characteristics
What is Autism?
Autism is a severe developmental disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, causing impairments in important developmental areas. Autism often begins at birth or before the age of three, and is sometimes referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Autism affects each individual in a different way and with varied severity: while some people with autism can live quite normal lives, some may need help from family and specialists for the rest of their lives. All people with autism, however, share the same three major areas of difficulty, known as the Triad of Impairments
1. Impairment of social communication
2. Impairment of social interaction
3. Impairment of social imagination
Also, repetitive behaviours and some other symptoms are often seen in people with autism.
How common is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is more common than many people may think. According to a research by the Centers for Disease Control in 2007, one in 150 children is diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum. Boys are more likely to develop autism than girls, with a ratio 4:1. The rate of autism has been increasing since the early 1990's, and now has the figures of 60 in 10,000 around the world.
Is there a cure for Autism?
While is currently no known cure for autism, there are educational and medical approaches that can help people with autism learn and develop. Intervention should be applied as early as possible, to maximum the benefits for autistic people. Appropriate approaches can reduce disruptive behaviours as well as some other challenges associated with the condition.
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Bibliography
Websites:
Autism Society of America:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_treatment_home
Autism Research Institute
http://www.autism.com/autism/
The National Autistic Society
http://www.autism.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=211