Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears within the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication, and cognitive function.

Primary characteristics

The primary characteristics of autism include impaired reciprocal social interactions, impaired communication, and restricted behaviours. The impaired social interactions are among the most conspicuous of the autistic deficits and were the reason leo kanner used the term "autism" to describe the syndrome in 1943. Social difficulties of autism include impaired social play, a general preference for isolation in the presence of others, failure to seek comfort at times of distress, indifference to others and an inability to understand social rules and conventions.

What Causes Autism?

Autism affects about 1 in every 150 kids, but no one knows what causes it. Some scientists think that some kids might be more likely to get autism because it or similar disorders run in their families. Knowing the exact cause of autism is hard because the human brain is very complicated.

Difficulties are caused by a variety of conditions that occur either before, during, or after birth affecting brain development. This interferes with an individual's ability to interpret and interact with the world. Some scientists tie the communication problems to a "theory of mind" or impaired ability to think about thoughts or imagine another individual's state of mind. Along with this is an impaired ability to symbolize, both when trying to communicate and in play.

Current research has identified various possible causes of autism - brain dysfunction, genetic factors and allergic reactions. There does not seem to be one clear cause that affects all the people diagnosed with autism - the research continues. Poor parenting does NOT cause autism. The diagnosis of autism is made by observation from a qualified consultant (contact us if you need further information on this or refer to our Diagnosis factsheet).

Autism - Symptoms

Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills, such as eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions, and body posture.

Failure to establish friendships with children the same age.

Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping

Develops specific routines or rituals

Lack of slang or "kidspeak"

Difficulty understanding tone of voice and body language as a way of expressing sarcasm, humor, irony, etc.

Does not respond to name

Loses language or social skills

Inappropriate laughter

Marked physical overactivity or extreme passivity

Treatments for Autism - - Treatments and Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders

There is no cure for autism. Treatments are aimed at reducing specific symptoms. Because the symptoms vary so widely from one person to the next, there is not a single approach that works for every person. A spectrum of interventions include training in music, listening, vision, speech and language, and senses. Special diets and medications may also be prescribed.

Parents should be educated in behavioral techniques so they can participate in all aspects of the child's care and treatment. The more specialized instruction and behavior therapy the child receives, the more likely it is that the condition will improve.

Many different biomedical treatments are used in autism. The most widely used are medications to treat seizures and behavioral and emotional problems associated with autism.