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Autism is 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, autism and its associated behaviors have
been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more
prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social
boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not
affect the chance of autism's occurrence.
Autism impacts
the normal development 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. The disorder makes it hard
for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In
some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.
Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping,
rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and
resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience
sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and
taste.
Over one half
million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive
developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most
common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including
many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields,
are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can
effectively work with individuals with autism. |
