Autism is a developmental disorder that affects 1.5 million Americans. As many as 3 to 6 children in 1,000 may have autism, and that rate appears to be increasing. Whether the number of children is actually increasing, or if diagnostic procedures make it possible to diagnose more children, is matter of debate among professionals.
Identification
Classic symptoms of autism include difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, impaired social interactions, repetitive behaviors and limited activities that may include an unusual obsessive interest in peculiar or unusual topics. The severity of symptoms and degree of impairment varies from mild to severe, causing a wide range of behaviors and impairments classified as autism. Children may exhibit symptoms as early as 6 months, but generally do not meet the diagnostic criteria for autism until 3 years or older. Severely impaired children exhibit language delays evident by the age of 3, but milder behavioral impairments may not be obvious until 4 to 5 years old.
Features
Babies and children with autism disorder may fail to develop normal interactions with parents. They may show a lack if interest in those around them and fail to respond to verbal or nonverbal cues, focusing on one object for prolonged periods. Young children may not respond to their own names and appear to be oblivious to the world around them.
Function
Many young children with autism develop obsessive repetitive behaviors such as rocking, spinning or twirling and may engage in self-abusive behaviors like head banging and biting. Delayed language development or unusual language usage may indicate autism. Autistic children often refer to themselves by name instead of using "I" or "me," and speak with unusual cadence and tone. Often children talk without regard to the reactions of others and may focus on topics of no interest to others, but seem unaware of the fact. Children with autism experience difficulty reading people and noticing social cues. They may fail to recognize tone of voice or facial expressions, and lack empathy for others as they do not understand what others are feeling or thinking. They often avoid eye contact and do not observe facial features or body language of others. Playing with other children presents a challenge, as the child with autism is unaware or unresponsive to the needs of others and may use playmates as props for his own benefit but does not seek interaction. Children with autism resist physical touch and withdraw from hugs or cuddling. They often do not bond with a parent and appear cold and unresponsive to emotional physical expressions of love and closeness. They may be overly sensitive to loud noises, bright lights and touch.
Effects
Autism is a lifelong disorder of unknown origins. Symptoms may appear to lessen with time, but the underlying disorder does not. Early intervention and proper educational techniques may provide social skill instruction and may alter behavior, but the lack of empathy and difficulty understanding others may pose lifelong challenges. Speech and language instruction may improve language skills, but deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication continue to exist.
Potential
Many adults with autism are able to live healthy, happy lives, and many are able to live independently. They may attend post secondary school and pursue careers requiring extensive study, often pursuing a narrow focus of interest and developing considerable expertise in the area.
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