Autism is a developmental disability
that typically appears during the first three years of life, the result of
a neurological disorder that affects functioning of the brain, autism and its
associated behaviors occur in approximately 15 of every 10,000 individuals.
Autism is four
times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows
no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Family income,
lifestyle and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's
occurrence.
Autism interferes with
the normal development of the brain in the areas
of reasoning, social interaction and communication skills.
Children and adults with autism typically have deficiencies in
verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or
play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with
others and relate to the outside world. They may exhibit repeated body
movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or
attachments to objects and resist any changes in routines. In
some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.
It is conservatively estimated that nearly 400,000 people in the U.S. today have some form of autism. It's prevalence rate now places it as the third most common development disability - more common than Down's syndrome. Yet 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.
Look Here First Local Links Book List IEP Center Linda's Links
Important Disclaimer
This site as well as many others linked to it are produced by laypeople who are concerned about Autism and Autism's impact on our loved ones. We are not physicians, attorneys or therapists. We do not endorse any product or therapy, and no link on this site should be considered such an endorsement. Please take proper care in evaluating any advice or information you read on this site or anywhere on the net. Check with your doctor before trying any new treatment, and keep in mind two things: 1) All People with Autism are different and respond to various treatments accordingly, and 2) The person giving the advice, although sincere in their intent, may be wrong.