What is Autism?
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by abnormal social interaction, difficulties with communication, and specific patterns of behavior and interests. Although the cause of autism is unknown, researchers suspect that autism is a result of genetic changes or mutations. While there is disagreement as to the specifics, researchers have identified seven genes that are prevalent among autistic individuals. Some estimate that autism occurs in as many as 1 in 166 children in the United States. However, the National Institute of Mental Health gives a more conservative estimate of 1 in 1000. For families that already have one autistic child, the odds of a second autistic child may be as high as 1 in 20. Although autism is more common in boys, girls with the disorder tend to have more severe symptoms and greater cognitive impairment.
Autism may not be physiologically obvious. Part of the pre-diagnosis evaluation includes a complete physical and neurological evaluation. Some speculate that autism is not a single condition, but a group of several distinct conditions that have the same outward appearance.
By definition, autism must manifest delays in "social interaction, language as used in social communication, or symbolic or imaginative play," with "onset prior to age 3 years", according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
With intense therapy and practice and schooling, some children diagnosed with autism can improve their social and other skills to the point where they can fully participate in mainstream education and social events, but there are no indications that a cure from autism is possible with current technology or advances in medicine. Some autistic children and adults who are able to communicate (at least in writing) are opposed to attempts to cure their autism, because they (and/or the guardians) see autism as part of who they are.
Sourced from wikipedia.org
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