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What Is Autism?

• Autism and Asperger Syndrome are complex developmental disabilities under the broad heading Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The symptoms and characteristics, including behaviors and intelligence, can be presented in a variety of combinations and levels of severity.
• It typically appears by the age of three.
• One in 166 children born in the United States today has some form of autism according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2005.
• Autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of he brain. The exact cause of the disorder is unknown in most cases.
• People with autism may have difficulties in any of the following areas:
  • communication
  • social interaction
  • sensory input
  • play skills
  • behavior
• Autism is four times more common in males than females.
• The disability is found throughout the world in families of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• While people with autism share some basic similarities, each person is an individual with different strengths and challenges.
• Although autism is not curable, it is treatable. Early and intensive intervention can ensure the brightest possible future for people with autism.

WWWwww.asgc.org