Autism
is the most common condition in a group of developmental
disorders known in the medical community as autism spectrum
disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by three
distinctive behaviors. Autistic children have difficulties
with social interaction, display problems with verbal and
nonverbal communication, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or
narrow, obsessive interests. Autism varies widely in its
severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, particularly
when more debilitating handicaps mask it. Scientists are not
certain what actually causes autism, but it is likely that
both genetics and environment play a role.
While there is no specific cure for autism, certain
therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to
remedy certain symptoms and can bring substantial
improvement. Most medical professionals agree that the
earlier the interventions, the better. Autism can be
reliably detected by the age of three and in some cases as
early as eighteen months.
For many children, autism symptoms improve with treatment
and with age, and some autistic children grow up to lead
normal or near-normal lives.
Browse this
site to find reliable and helpful information about the
causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention and treatment
of autism. |