Autism is not a disease, but a developmental disorder of brain function. People with classical autism show three types of symptoms: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and non verbal communication, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. Symptoms of autism usually appear during the first three years of childhood and continue throughout life. These symptoms can vary in severity. In addition, people with autism often have abnormal responses to sounds, touch, or other sensory stimulation. Although there is no cure, appropriate early educational intervention may improve social development and reduce undesirable behaviors. People with autism have a normal life expectancy.

Autism affects an estimated 10 to 20 of every 10,000 people, depending on the diagnostic criteria used. Most estimates that include people with similar disorders are two to three times greater. Autism strikes males about four times as often as females, and has been found throughout the world in people of all racial and social backgrounds. Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to this increased susceptibility. In some children, environmental factors also may play a role. Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain which suggest that autism results from a disruption of early fetal brain development.

Autism varies a great deal in severity. The most severe cases are marked by extremely repetitive, unusual, self-injurious, and aggressive behavior. This behavior may persist over time and prove very difficult to change, posing a tremendous challenge to those who must live with, treat, and teach these individuals. The mildest forms of autism resemble a personality disorder associated with a perceived learning disability.

Individuals with Autism will display all of the following:-

1) An impairment of social recognition (eg) avoidance or indifference towards others.

2) An impairment of social communication (eg) communicating only to make wishes known, lack of awareness of the need for reciprocating in verbal exchanges.

3) An impairment of social imagination and understanding (lack of pretend play, understanding how others think and feel).

Autism is shown as a "continuum" rather than a dichotomous "have" or "have not" syndrome. Some people with autism (high functioning) will be able to live normal lives despite having difficulties in forming relationships. Others will need life long support with pratical and social aspects of day-to-day living.

Some demonstrate islets of intelligence such as that shown by one young lady who can speak many obscure and archaic languages - but is still unable to use her talent to overcome difficulties in relating to others. Islets of ability are characteristic in that they do not reflect general cognitive potential.

The cause of autism points to complex organic brain dysfunction with genetic and biochemical factors interacting with environmental triggers (Shattock and Savery). Neuroaudiological and neurochemical studies (eg: Gillberg 1989) show evidence of a difference in the way the autistic brain functions. Many people with autism display an extreme sensitivity to specific auditory and/or tactile stimuli.

A particular consequence for people with Autism is an impaired theory of mind (Frith 1989). This is an inability to know that other people may have intentions, needs, desires and beliefs different from their own. This inability is a barrier in effective communication and relationship forming.
Intervention is directed towards the'effects of Autism' since no therapeutic techniques have been developed to treat (or fully understand) the primary impairment.

These symptoms continue throughout life and can vary in severity. In addition, people with autism often have abnormal responses to sounds, touch, or other sensory stimulation. Although there is no cure, appropriate early educational intervention may improve social development and reduce undesirable behaviors. People with autism have a normal life expectancy.

Autism affects an estimated 10 to 20 of every 10,000 people, depending on the diagnostic criteria used. Most estimates that include people with similar disorders are two to three times greater. Autism strikes males about four times as often as females, and has been found throughout the world in people of all racial and social backgrounds. Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to this increased susceptibility. In some children, environmental factors also may play a role. Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain which suggest that autism results from a disruption of early fetal brain development.

Autism varies a great deal in severity. The most severe cases are marked by extremely repetitive, unusual, self-injurious, and aggressive behavior. This behavior may persist over time and prove very difficult to change, posing a tremendous challenge to those who must live with, treat, and teach these individuals. The mildest forms of autism resemble a personality disorder associated with a perceived learning disability.

(The above compilation was prepared by Steven Merahn, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Medalis, Inc., located in Philadelphia. Dr. Merahn produced this compilation through materials developed at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Merahn generously granted permission for use of this compilation.)

Autism Today

Autism...I bet that if you think back ten years ago all you ever knew about autism was what you saw on the movie Rainman. You did not know anyone personally that had autism or anyone that knew anyone that had autism. You just watched this movie and thought that it is a very sad and strange disorder, but you never thought it would become something as common as it is today. It is more common than childhood cancer and is currently the most frequently diagnosed developmental disorder.

I can almost promise you this...if you do not know any one with autism yet, you will in the next few years. The increase in children with autism has grown at an alarming rate. It has people questioning what is causing it and how can we cure it. The rates in the last ten years have gone from 1-10,000 children to 1-150 children. There is no proven cause or cure for autism. Doctors think it may have something to do with genetics, environmental changes, and prematurity. They have not, however, been able to scientifically link autism to anything for sure. I believe it has something to do with genetics and environmental causes. I believe that some children have genetic predisposition to autism and there are different environmental triggers that cause some children to get autism and others not.

Autism is a devastating disorder that affects the brain’s ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and keeps children in a world of their own. Although there is no real known cause of autism, it is important to weigh all of your options before you make any decision for yourself and your child.