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What is Autism?
Autism is a life-long developmental disability, which is often referred to as an autistic spectrum disorder. This reflects the fact that, while people with autism share three main areas of difficulty, the condition affects every individual differently. Some people with autistic spectrum disorders are able to live independently, while others will require lifetime assistance and support. An autistic spectrum disorder affects the way a person communicates and relates to other people.
Although it was first identified as a condition in the early 1940s, relatively little is known about autism, including its cause. According to the National Autistic Society, there is some research to suggest that a combination of genetic and environmental factors could account for changes in brain development, but this is still being investigated. Autistic spectrum disorders affect people from all nationalities and from all cultural, religious and social backgrounds.
Symptoms of the condition usually begin during infancy. It is thought that autistic spectrum disorders are a neurobiological condition of the brain that significantly impacts development, leaving the individual unable to form social relationships and friendships. There are varying degrees of autistic spectrum disorders, and many people with the condition also have associated learning disabilities. Although symptoms vary from person to person, the common trait is a difficulty in making sense of the world.
There are three main areas of difficulty for someone with an autistic spectrum disorder. These include social interaction, communication and imagination.
Social interaction: the individual might not display appropriate behaviour in social situations due to a lack of perception. Someone with an autistic spectrum disorder might find it difficult to form and maintain friendships, as he or she has a hard time understanding the feelings of another person.
Social communication: the individual might have difficulties with both verbal and non-verbal communication. For example, the person might have monotonous speech tones, unusual intonation and facial expressions or be mute. Another individual might have adequate language skills, but could be unable to understand conversations with another person.
Imagination: people with autism might lack creativity, have obsessive interests, practice repetitive rituals or have an inability to pretend. He or she might also have trouble coping with change or unfamiliar situations, or with planning for the future.
Additionally, people with an autistic spectrum disorder often have repetitive behavioural patterns, resist change to routine, experience sensory sensitivity and develop a passionate interest in a particular hobby.
