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ABOUT AUTISM…
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Autism is one of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
ASDs are developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social
interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and
interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying
attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning
abilities of people with ASDs can vary—from gifted to severely challenged.
Autism interferes with the normal development of the brain in areas which
control verbal and nonverbal communications, social interaction, and sensory
development. Children or adults with autism may exhibit repeated body movements,
such as hand flapping and rocking, show unusual responses to people or
attachments to objects, and resist changes in routine. In some cases, aggressive
and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.
Autism, classified under 299.0 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM IV), is often referred to as a spectrum disorder, meaning
the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in wide
variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a
certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the
behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis
of autism, can act very differently from one another.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle
or education levels do not affect the chance of occurrence. Autism and its
associated behaviors occur in approximately 1 in 150 individuals and 1 in 94
males. Approximately 450,000 children under the age of 18 in the U.S. today have
some form of autism. ASDs are the second most common serious developmental
disability after mental retardation/intellectual impairment.
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 effectively work with individuals with autism.
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