Articles
Autism
For many parents, the diagnosis of autism
sends a chill down their spines. This poorly-understood condition has been on
the rise since 1980, though that may be due to better diagnosis, rather than an
increase in prevalence. But what is autism, exactly, and what are the symptoms?
Autism is a disorder of the brain which
makes communication and social interaction very difficult. It affects many
areas in the brain, though how this happens is not well understood.
Children often begin exhibiting symptoms as early as age
two. Early diagnosis is critical if the child is to get
specialized help. While there is no cure for autism, there
have been successes in milder cases. Autistic people can
be taught to care for themselves, as they can be taught
social skills–the success rate depends on the severity
of the condition.
The most common autism symptoms include social impairments.
Autistic people have problems understanding socially-based
communication that others may take for granted. They are
less likely to initiate conversations, maintain eye contact,
take turns, and communicate nonverbally. These communication
problems can be frustrating to autistic children, resulting
in temper tantrums and other forms of "acting out." Some individuals with autism never learn to communicate
verbally. Similarly, non-verbal communication can be problematic
Ð they are more likely to look at the pointing finger, for
example, than the object being pointed at.
Repetitive behaviour is common, and divided into several
distinct categories. Stereotypy refers to movement
that appears aimless, like rocking or hand flapping. Compulsive
behaviour is common–rules must be followed, and
objects must be arranged in specific ways. Often, autistic
people demand sameness, leaving all routines, all
furniture, everything in exactly the same way, all the time.
They engage in ritualistic behaviour, performing
each day's activities in the same manner, every day. They
may demonstrate restricted behaviour, in which the
world is tuned out in favour of a TV program or special
activity. Finally, some may tend to self-injury,
biting themselves, banging their heads into walls, and so
on. These tendencies are common to other illnesses also;
however, only in autism do the symptoms occur this frequently
and severely.
In rare cases, severely autistic people
have rare talents. These autistic savants display amazing talents in
mathematics or music. Sometimes, they have an amazing memory of trivia,
memorizing bus schedules and more.
The causes of autism are poorly understood. Some see autism
as a triad of issues–repetitive behaviour, communication
problems, and social difficulties–rather than one
single disorder. Genetics may play a role, though many genes
may be involved, making genetic analysis difficult. Exposure
to certain drugs, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals in
early pregnancy is uncommon, can cause autism.
While there is no cure for autism, many
autistic people can develop a certain amount of self-sufficiency. Severe cases
require life-long care. They still have much to teach us about living in the
present moment.
A young boy with autism, and the precise line of toys he
made.
Autism affects many parts of the brain.
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