QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is autism? Autism is a life-long developmental disability that prevents individuals from properly understanding what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. This results in severe problems of social relationships, communication, and behavior. Individuals with autism have to painstakingly learn normal patterns of speech and communication, and appropriate ways to relate to people, objects, and events, in a similar manner to those who have had a stroke What are the characteristics of Autism? The degree of severity of characteristics differs from person to person, but usually includes the following: Severe delays in language development. Language is slow to develop, if it develops at all. If it does develop, it usually includes peculiar speech patterns or the use of words without attachment to their normal meaning. Those who are able to use language effectively may still use unusual metaphors or speak in a formal and monotone voice. Severe delays in understanding social relationships. The autistic child often avoids eye contact, resists being picked up, and seems to "tune out" the world around him. This results in a lack of cooperative play with peers, an impaired ability to develop friendships, and an inability to understand other people's feelings. Inconsistent Patterns of sensory responses. The child who has autism at times may appear to be deaf and fail to respond to words or other sounds. At other times, the same child may be extremely distressed by an everyday noise such as a vacuum cleaner or a dog's barking. The child also may show an apparent insensitivity to pain and a lack of responsiveness to cold or heat, or may over-react to any of these. Uneven patterns of intellectual functioning. The individual may have peak skills - scattered things done quite well in relation to overall functioning - such as drawing, music, computations in math, or memorization of facts with no regard to importance or lack of it. On the other hand, the majority of autistic persons have varying degrees of mental retardation, with only 20 percent having average or above-average intelligence. This combination of intellectual variations makes autism especially perplexing What Causes Autism? Autism is a brain disorder, present from birth, which affects the way the brain uses information. The cause of autism is still unknown. Some research suggests a physical problem affecting those parts of the brain that process language and information coming in from the senses. There may be some imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Genetic factors may sometimes be involved. Autism may indeed result from a combination of several "causes". No factors in the psychological environment of the child cause autism How Severe are brain disorders with people who have Autism In autism, behavior problems range from very severe to mild. Severe behavior problems take the form of highly unusual, aggressive, and in some cases, even self-injurious behavior. These behaviors may persist and be difficult to change. In its milder form., autism resembles a learning disability. Usually, however, even people who are only mildly affected are substantially handicapped due to deficits in the areas of communication and socialization. How can people with Autism learn to have a Meaninfull Job? With the help of specially trained job coaches, people with autism can learn skills that will enable them to successfully work in competitive employment, supported employment, or in sheltered workshop programs. How do you know for sure that a child has autism and is there any way the child could grow out of it? Testing for autism is determined through an observation of the child ususally between 10 months and 6 years. Behaviours are observed and a series of questions are answered which determine the probability of autism as defined by the DSMIV. Early and consistent intervention certianly provides the best prognosis. Taken from Autism Today - Karen Leigh Simmons I have a 20-month old child and my husband and I suspect he may have autism. In researching the subject I've come across Asperger Syndrome and don't quite understand what the difference is between the two. Also, how should we approach our son's pediatrician about have him tested for Autism? - Kimberley I am glad to hear you are on the right track by seriously looking at the possibility. You are miles ahead of most parents who sometimes stay stuck in denial for years. Asperger Syndrome is a part of the autism spectrum that is associated with higher functioning, earlier read, comprehension, understanding etc. Since your child is only 20 months old, I would focus more on getting a doctor who specializes in autism diagnosis to evaluate him/her as soon as possible. Your present pediatrician will most likely know where to send you however if you call Autism South Africa 011-486-3696, they will have the best leads. - Taken from Autism Today - Karen Leigh Simmons