Autism

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears within the first years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that effects the functioning of the brain in the areas of reasoning, social interaction and communication skills.

What are the Effects of Autism?

Communication

	Language develops slowly or not at all
	Use of words without attaching meaning
	Gestures used instead of words
	Short attention spans

Social Interaction

	May spend time alone rather than with others
	Show little interest in making friends
	Less responsive to social cues, such as eye contact or smiles

Sensory Impairment

	Unusual reaction to physical sensations, such as being overly sensitive to touch or under responsive to pain
	Sight, hearing, smell, and taste may be affected to a lesser or greater degree

Play

	Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play
	Does not imitate action of others
	Does not initiate pretend games

Behaviors

	May be overactive or very passive
	Frequent tantrums for no apparent reason
	May repetitively play with single item, idea or person
	Apparent lack of safety awareness
	May show aggressive or violent behavior or injure self

Who Does Autism Affect?

According to the Autism Society of America, and confirmed by Dr. Bernard Rimland of the Autism Research Institute, it is conservatively estimated that nearly 400,000 people in the United States today have some form of Autism. Its prevalence rate now places it as the 3rd most common developmental disability, more common than Down Syndrome (Autism Society of America). According to Damien Porcari, Moderator for the Autism Research Guide, Autism and its associated disorders occur in approximately 60 of every 10,000 births.