- Introduction
- What is autism?
- What are the characteristics of autism?
- What causes autism?
- Diagnosis
- Can people with autism be helped?
- Social interaction (difficulty with social relationships, for example appearing aloof and indifferent to other people)
- Social communication (difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, for example not really understanding the meaning of gestures, facial expressions or tone of voice)
- Imagination (difficulty in the development of play and imagination, for example having a limited range of imaginative activities, possibly copied and pursued rigidly and repetitively)
Although it was first identified in 1943, autism is still a relatively unknown disability. Yet autistic spectrum disorders are estimated to touch the lives of over 500,000 families throughout the UK.
People with autism are not physically disabled and 'look' just like anybody without the disability. Due to this invisible nature it can be much harder to create awareness and understanding of the condition.
Because an autistic child looks 'normal' others assume they are naughty or the parents are not controlling the child. Strangers frequently comment on this 'failing'.
Carer
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. Children and adults with autism are unable to relate to others in a meaningful way. Their ability to develop friendships is impaired as is their capacity to understand other people's feelings.
People with autism can often have accompanying learning disabilities but everyone with the condition shares a difficulty in making sense of the world.
There is also a condition called Asperger syndrome which is a form of autism used to describe people at the higher functioning end of the autistic spectrum.
Reality to an autistic person is a confusing, interacting mass of events, people, places, sounds and sights. There seems to be no clear boundaries, order or meaning to anything. A large part of my life is spent just trying to work out the pattern behind everything.
A person with autism
What are the characteristics of autism?
All people with autism have impairments in social interaction, social communication and imagination. This is referred to as the triad of impairments.
In addition to this triad, repetitive behaviour patterns are a notable feature and a resistance to change in routine.
The exact cause or causes of autism is/are still not known but research shows that genetic factors are important. It is also evident from research that autism is associated with a variety of conditions affecting brain development which occur before, during, or very soon after birth.
The earlier a diagnosis of autism is made, the better the chances are of a person receiving appropriate help and support.
Can people with autism be helped?
Specialist education and structured support can really make a difference to the life of a person with autism life, helping to maximise skills and achieve full potential in adulthood.
Registered charity number: 269425
©The National Autistic Society 2002