It results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.
The eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2015. Every year, autism organisations around the world celebrate the day with unique fund-raising and awareness-raising events.
First and foremost, we now know that there is no one cause of autism, just as there is no one type of autism.
Over the past few years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism.
A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves, while most cases appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills.
About 40 per cent have average to above average intellectual abilities.
Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently.
About 25 per cent of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are nonverbal, but can learn to communicate using other means.
For some, this means the development and delivery of more effective treatments that can address significant challenges in communication and physical health. For others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and support.
The most significant symptom of ASD is impaired social interaction.
As early as infancy, a baby with ASD may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others, for long periods of time.
A child with ASD may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement.
Health care providers will often use a questionnaire or other screening instrument to gather information about a child’s development and behaviour.
Some screening instruments rely solely on parent observations, while others rely on a combination of parent and doctor observations. For many children, symptoms improve with treatment and with age.
* Information obtained from www.autismspeaks.org
What you need to know about Autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life.
