WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism: A Primer
Autism is a brain disorder that begins in early childhood and affects three crucial areas of development: communication, social interaction and creative or imaginative play. It usually appears within the first three years of life and often results in learning difficulties, speech problems and difficulty relating to others. Autism is a spectrum disorder and each individual on the spectrum is affected differently.
Individuals and families affected by autism are not alone, as the rate of autism is on the rise. Current statistics state that one out of every 150 children born will have a disorder on the autism spectrum. Today, roughly 1.5 million Americans are believed to have some form of autism. Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
There is no one cause for autism and no known cures. Autism can affect any child, regardless of race, ethnicity, lifestyle, education or income level. However, autism is treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention are vital to successful treatment and set the foundation for future success.
What is Asperger's Disorder?
Asperger's Disorder is one of five Pervasive Development Disorders (PDDs), which also includes Autism, Rett's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). PDDs are a category of neurologically based disorders that have a range of delays in different developmental stages.
The severity of the symptoms and the absence of language delays is what distinguishes Asperger's Disorder from autism. Children with Asperger's Disorder may be mildly affected and frequently have good language and cognitive skills. They have no general cognitive delay, meaning their overall IQ is in the normal range or above. To the untrained observer, a child with Asperger's Disorder may just seem "different."
The information above was obtained from the Autism Society of America. For more information on the Autism Society of America, please visit www.autism-society.org or call 1.800.3AUTISM. © Copyright 1996-2008, Autism Society of America.