What is Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts. People with autism exhibit communication challenges and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. However, symptoms and their severity vary widely across these three core areas.

Autism is a spectrum of closely related disorders with a shared core of symptoms. Autism spectrum disorder appears in infancy and early childhood, causing delays in many basic areas of development, such as learning to talk, play, and interact with others.

The signs and symptoms of autism vary widely, as do its effects. Some children with autism have only mild impairments, while others have more obstacles to overcome. However, every child on the autism spectrum has problems, at least to some degree, in the following three areas:

Communicating

Verbally and non-verbally

 
Repetitive Behaviors

Repeated body movements such as rocking and hand-flapping or using objects in a repetitive manner

Social Interactions

Relating to others and the world around them Thinking and behaving flexibly

There are different opinions among doctors, parents, and experts about what causes autism and how best to treat it. There is one fact, however, that everyone agrees on: early and intensive intervention helps. For children at risk and children who show early signs, it can make a world of difference.