WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is known as a complex developmental
disability. Experts believe that Autism presents itself
during the first three years of a person's life. The
condition is the result of a neurological disorder that
has an effect on normal brain function, affecting
development of the person's communication and
social interaction skills.
People with autism have issues with non-verbal
communication, a wide range of social interactions,
and activities that include an element of play and/or
banter.
Genomic research is beginning to discover that
people with autism spectrum disorders probably
share genetic traits with individuals with ADHD
(attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia, or clinical depression. A
team at the Cross Disorders Group of the
Psychiatric Genomic Consortium suggests that the
five mental disorders and illnesses have the same
common inherited genetic variations.
What is ASD ?
ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder and can
sometimes be referred to as Autistic Spectrum
Disorder. In this text Autism and ASD mean the
same. ASDs are any developmental disabilities that
have been caused by a brain abnormality. A person
with an ASD typically has difficulty with social and
communication skills.
A person with ASD will typically also prefer to stick
to a set of behaviors and will resist any major (and
many minor) changes to daily activities. Several
relatives and friends of people with ASDs have
commented that if the person knows a change is
coming in advance, and has time to prepare for it;
the resistance to the change is either gone
completely or is much lower.