Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication. They affect about 1 in 110 children and are more common in boys. While the specific causes of autism are unknown, genetic factors are considered the most significant cause. There is no known cure for autism, though various treatments can help manage symptoms. Some successful individuals with autism include Temple Grandin and Tito Mukhopadhyay, who have advocated for autism awareness and research.

1. An Introduction to Autism

2. What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of disorders with common disabilities in three key areas: Social awareness and interaction Language and other communication skills Imaginative play (variable interests and behaviours) Autism consists of disorders of development of brain functions Causes are not yet known for sure Autism affects families in all races, cultures all around the world

3. Shocking Statistics 1 out of every 110 children Four times as many boys than girls More common than pediatric cancer, AIDS and diabetes combined Costs $80-$100,000 each year to treat No medical detection for autism No known cure A lifelong condition http://www.autismspeaks.ca/autism-speaks-canada

4. Spectrum of Autism

6. Asperger's Syndrome

7. Seven times as many people as classic autism; average to higher IQ

8. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)

9. Classic Autism and Kanner Autism

10. Two-thirds of classic autism: severely to mildly handicapped in cognition and intellect

12. Postnatal environment: allergies, and exposure of children to drugs, vaccines, infection, certain foods

13. Lack of Vitamin D

14. Refrigerator mother

15. Valid theories

16. Genetic factors: the most significant cause

18. Exceptional balance

19. Drawing skills

20. Computer skills

21. Exceptional memory

23. Communication

24. Bizarre behaviours

25. Repetitive behaviours

26. Sensory issues

27. Motor issues

30. Medication

31. Diets

32. Behavioural

33. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

34. Son-Rise Program

35. Communication therapies

36. Sign Language

37. Facilitated Communication (FC)

38. Other Therapies

39. Music Therapy

41. Temple Grandin (1947- ) Diagnosed with autism (brain damage) in 1950 Had supportive mentors from primary school onwards At age four, began talking, and making progress A "nerdy kid" whom everyone teased; Called "tape recorder” Bachelor's degree in psychology in 1970 Master's degree in animal science in 1975 Doctoral degree in animal science in 1989 Professor at Colorado State University Bestselling author Widely noted for her work in autism advocacy Inventor of the Hug Machine

42. Tito & Soma Tito RajarshiMukhopadhyay(1989- ) Diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism when he was 3 Learned to develop his reading, writing, and thinking abilities through his mother’s method, Soma. A published and successful author since 2001 Communicates through writing Has given rare insights into autism: how his autism affects his view of the world Soma Mukhopadhyay Tito's tireless taskmaster By the time Tito was 6, he could write independently. Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)

43. Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)

44. Sources and References Autism Canada Autism physician handbook Windsor Public Library Databases Autism Speaks Autism Resources A Mother’s Courage: A documentary on Autism Science Daily

46. Autism Speaks: NA’s largest autism science, awareness and advocacy organization

47. http://www.autismspeaks.ca/autism-speaks-canada

48. Autism Canada: registered Canadian Charity

49. http://www.autismcanada.org/

50. Autism Society Canada

51. www.autismsocietycanada.com

52. Ontario