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Autism
is a complex developmental disability that typically appears
during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological
disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism
and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur
in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more prevalent
in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social
boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels
do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.
Autism impacts the normal development
of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication
skills. Children and adults with autism typically have
difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social
interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder
makes it hard for them to communicate with others andrelate
to the outside world.
In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior
may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated
body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses
to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes
in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities
in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and
taste.
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Over one half million people in the U.S. today
have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence
rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities.
Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical,
educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism
affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with
autism. (more) |
