This document discusses autism, including its definition as a neurological disorder affecting social interaction and communication skills. It outlines common characteristics like difficulties with speech, social skills, and sensitivity. It explores potential causes such as genetic factors and brain abnormalities. It describes the main types of autism spectrum disorders and their variations. Finally, it notes that while there is no cure, treatment aims to improve communication, coping skills, and manage symptoms, often using a multi-disciplinary approach including medication management.

1. *DEFINITION OF AUTISM
*CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM
*CAUSES OF AUTISM
*TYPES OF AUTISM
*Treatment of AUTISM

2.  DEFINITION OF AUTISM
 "Autism is a complex developmental disability
that typically appears during the first three
years of life and is the result of a neurological
disorder that affects the normal functioning of
the brain, impacting development in the areas
of social interaction and communication skills.
Both children and adults with autism typically
show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal
communication, social interactions, and leisure
or play activities.

3.  CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM
 Most signs or characteristics of Autism are evident in
the areas of speech or communication (verbal and
non-verbal). Many of the signs or symptoms of
Autism begin presenting themselves between 2 and 6
years of age.



4. The research indicates the following symptoms are the
most commonly found characteristics of Autism:
1-The child is unable to coo by 12 months.
2-The child also does not point or gesture by 12 months.
3-The child does not say single words by 16 months.
4-The child does not say 2 or more words by 24 months.
5-Has lost some of social skills or language abilities.


5. Other Characteristics include:
1- No fear of danger.
2- Over or under sensitivity to pain.
3- May avoid eye contact with you.
4- May prefer to be by him/herself.
5- Has difficulty expressing what they want or need -
may then try to use gestures.
6- May echo words or phrases.
7- May have inappropriate attachments to objects.
8- May spin his/herself or objects. Prolonged repetitive play.
9-May insist on things/routines always being the same.
10-May exhibit inappropriate laughing (laughing when
not appropriate to the situation).

6. 11- May display tantrums for no apparent reason.
12- May avoid cuddling.
13- May exhibit self injurious behavior when upset i.e.
14- biting selves or banging heads.
15- An overall difficulty interacting with others.

7. CAUSES OF AUTISM
The research indicates that the cause of Autism is likely
biological, but this may not be the only cause. Evidence
has shown that 1 in 3 people diagnosed with Autism
have had around 1-2 epileptic seizures by the time they
reach adulthood. Also, Autism tends to run in
families, pointing to a possible genetic cause. And
autopsies of the brain have shown deficits in various
parts of the brain (i.e. cerebellum, frontal lobes, brain
stem). Scientists have also found abnormal levels of
neurotransmitters in the brain, such as Serotonin.

8. TYPES OF AUTISM
These are the most common disorders, all presenting in
a somewhat similar manner, but having slight
variations:
Autistic Disorder - As stated above, and defined by the
Autism Society of America (ASA): "Autism is a complex
developmental disability that typically appears during
the first three years of life and is the result of a
neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning
of the brain, impacting development in the areas of
social interaction and communication skills. Both
children and adults with autism typically show
difficulties in verbal and non-verbal
communication, social interactions, and leisure or play
activities.

9. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (P.D.D) - Also called
"Atypical Autism." Children with this disorder have
many of the same characteristics of Autism, but not all
the criteria associated with Autism.
Asperger's Disorder - Children with this disorder do not
have the usual language barriers associated with Autism
and are generally very intelligent. However, they do
tend to struggle with social interactions, and can fixate
on a particular object or subject they take an interest
in, and talk about it constantly.

10. Retts Disorder - Retts is rather similar to Autism, but
presents only in girls. The children begin to develop on
target, but then begin losing some communication
abilities. The symptoms of Retts can begin to occur
between ages 1 and 4.

11. AUTISM TREATMENTS
Currently there is no known cure for Autism. The
disorder is treated by working to change the symptoms
of Autism ie. helping to improve the person's ability to
communicate and cope with the symptoms and deal
with the repetitive behaviors.
Also, some medications have also been helpful in
alleviating some of the symptoms associated with
Autism. Your doctor or Psychiatrist will decide which
medicine to prescribe for Autism. Your doctor should
also help guide the course of treatment and consider
incorporating other professional disciplines since this
seems to be the most effective strategy in managing
Autism.