2. What is Autism?
Autism is known as a complex developmental
disability. Some experts believe that Autism
tends present itself during the first three years of
a person's life. This condition is the result of a
neurological disorder that has an effect on
normal brain function. It affects the development
of a person's communication and social
interaction skills.
3. Diagnostic
For a child to be diagnosed with this condition,
they must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
This manual is published by the American
Psychiatric Association.
To be diagnosed with autism, they must have six
or more of the following symptoms. Two or more
must fall under social skills.
4. Social Skills
- Difficulty with non verbal
behaviors such as: eye
contact or making facial
expressions
- Difficult time forming
friendships and prefers
to be alone
- With holds experiences
or emotions
- Appears to be unaware
of others’ feelings
5. Communication
- Begins talking later than the age of 2 and has
other developmental delays by the time of 30
months
- Unable to spark conversation or keep one going
- Repeat phrases word for word but cannot
understand them
- Does not engage in make believe behavior or
imitate behaviors of adults
6. Behavior
- Tend to develop and
interest in objects or
topics that are unusual
- Repetitive movements
such as: spinning,
rocking, or hand
flapping
- Disturbed at change in
routines or rituals
- Captivated by parts of
an object such as:
spinning wheels of a
toy car
7. A shoulder to lean on..
The Help Group
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
Parents of A.N.G.E.L.S
Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN)
The Golden Fund for Autism
Autism Recovery & Comprehensive Health
Center
