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About Autism
Autism, ASD, is a puzzling neurological disorder for which there is no known cure. Autism affects
language and communication in ways such as delayed language, pronunciation difficulties, and understanding
how to use language to interact. Frequently these difficulties require years of speech therapy or prevent
any language development at all.
Along with language, it affects social skills. Those with autism have extreme difficulty understanding or
recognizing feelings of others, empathizing, and following social rules and the subtleties of social interactions.
Autism causes resistance to change. Transitions and generally anything unexpected are difficult obstacles in daily living.
Being a neurological disorder, the nervous systems of those with autism are easily over stimulated by sights, smells,
sounds, and anything unexpected in public which produces inappropriate behavior and/or exaggerated responses.
Sometimes people with autism calm themselves with a “stim” or stimulation such as spinning themselves or an object,
waving their arms, stroking or holding a familiar object, or reading or talking about a subject of interest.
Autism is a spectrum disorder which means it ranges from mild to severe. It is commonly referred to as ASD or Autism
Spectrum Disorder. The mildest form is Asperger’s Syndrome, and those with this diagnosis, though able to achieve
excellent grades in school, still struggle with social relationships which can later impact their career choices.
People with Asperger’s may be undiagnosed for years being considered agonizingly uncooperative, obsessive, or
inflexible —all traits which can be addressed once diagnosed. Even those mildly affected may require modifications
in school and a lifetime of at least some support from parents, family members, and other professional personnel.
PDD-NOS which is Pervasive Developmental Delays – Not Otherwise Specified and ADD which is Attention Deficit Disorder
are also considered part of the Autism Spectrum. Those most severely affected may never speak and suffer constant
discomfort in unfamiliar places and new situations.
Autism occurs four times more often in males than females. According to findings of the Centers for Disease
Control released February 2007, ASD affects one in every 150 children born.
Despite these somber facts, people with ASD can lead happy and productive lives. Early intervention is
important in improving the condition, but parents and professionals need to balance therapies with the
child’s choice of play time, if appropriate, which all children need to thrive. Caretakers can learn
ways to help “manage” or improve the condition of autism such as behavioral modification, various
therapies, medications, special diets, visual aids, and tasks to develop academic and daily living
skills. Speech, occupational, and physical therapy may also be an important part of addressing deficits.
Families can also lower stress as they learn to work effectively with teachers and make financial plans
for the future. Fun activities such as a variety of camps are available in many communities. Families can
feel isolated, but they can find support from groups such as the Autism Society who holds meetings with
educational speakers and the opportunity to meet other families, as well as educators and therapists.
Online support groups and sibling support are also available.
Potential employers should note the positive attributes of someone with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.
People with autism thrive on routine, so they are usually on time and respect schedules, and they do
well with following steps in a process. Those with autism are extremely honest. If able to work in an
area of interest, they will learn as much as humanly possible about it. Often creative in some way,
they are usually visual learners and thinkers and offer a fascinating and refreshing perspective
which could be valuable to an employer in rethinking business ideas. Some complete their college
education, even with graduate degrees, and with clear directions and some social coaching, make
knowledgeable, hard-working, insightful employees.
Until the puzzle of autism is solved, your local Autism Society is stepping up to the plate
to help those with autism, their families, and their teachers here and now.
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