Autism is a developmental disorder of brain function. People with autism have problems with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of autism usually can be found by parents and a child’s doctor by 18 months of age. A formal diagnosis is usually made when a child is between two and three, when he or she has a noticeable delay in developing language skills.
In most cases, autism causes problems with:
communication, both verbal (spoken) and nonverbal (unspoken)
social interactions with other people, both physical (such as hugging or holding) and verbal (such as having a conversation)
routines or repetitive behaviors, like repeating words or actions over and over, obsessively following routines or schedules for their actions, or having very specific ways of arranging their belongings
Scientists think autism has its beginnings before a person is even born. No one knows the exact cause or causes, but there are some theories that errors in genes make people more likely to develop it. Scientists also are looking into other factors that could be involved.
To date, there is no cure for autism. But, there are a number of treatments that can help people with autism and their families lead more normal lives.
Individualized, intense interventions that begin as early as possible give people with autism their best chance for progress. Doctors suggest starting these treatments before a child is two-and-a-half or three to get the best and most lasting results. In some cases, treatment can help people with autism function at normal or near-normal levels.
Content Courtesy : www.4woman.gov
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