Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are 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 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. These disorders range in severity from Asperger’s Syndrome (high functioning), to Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and lastly to Autism.
The overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, and family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism’s occurrence.
People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior maybe present. Persons with autism may also exhibit some of the following traits:
Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity.
For most of us, the integration of our senses helps us to understand what we are experiencing. For example, our senses of touch, smell, and taste work together in the experience of eating a ripe peach: the feel of the peach fuzz as we pick it up, its sweet smell as we bring it to our mouth, and the juices running down our face as we take a bite. For children with autism, sensory integration problems are common. Their senses may be over- or under-active. The fuzz on the peach may actually be experienced as painful; the smell may make the child gag. Some children with autism are particularly sensitive to sound, finding even the most ordinary daily noises painful.
