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Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate,
to reason, and to interact with others. It is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and it is often
found in combination with other disabilities.
The term "autism" (from the Greek "autos" for self) and "autism spectrum disorder" are often used interchangeably
and refer to three of five disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
The three "autism spectrum disorders" are: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder (Syndrome),
and PDD-NOS (Not otherwise specified). The other PDDs, which are less common, are Child Disintergrative Disorder and
Rett's Disorder.
Symptoms of Autism
Chidren with autism may exhibit some or all of the following:
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May appear deaf or seem to ignore you
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Be overly sensitive to sounds and/or people's voices
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Be overy sensitive to touch, smells or visual stimulation
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Be unable to speak or have limited language skills
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Have poor eye contact
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Exhibit odd or repetitive gestures or mannerisms
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Have difficulty coping with frustration or change
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Engage in rocking, hand-flapping or self-injurious behavior
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Laugh or become upset for no apparent reason
Although this is a few of the behaviors children with autism may exhibit, it is not an all-inclusive
list. There are many other behaviors children with autism may engage in. So please, if you are out in public
and see a child "mis-behaving", stop and think.....It may be a child with autism who cannot help their behavior, but
is only coping with his/her world the best they know how. And the parents are coping with the situation the best
they know how.
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