What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. It includes Asperger syndrome and childhood autism.
Some people also use the term autism spectrum condition or ‘neurodiverse’ (as opposed to people without autism being ‘neurotypical’).
The main features of ASD typically start to develop in childhood, although the impact of these may not be apparent until there is a significant change in the person’s life, such as a change of school.
In the UK, it's estimated that about one in every 100 people has ASD.
There is no 'cure' for ASD, but a wide range of treatments – including education and behaviour support – can help people with the condition.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
This an extremely small definition but as I have found listening to TED talks each individual who has autism is completely different. There are no separations of saying how one is worse or less severe than the other. Each individual has their own needs and ways of learning and need to be supported individually based on their own behaviours.
ASD can cause a wide range of symptoms, which are often grouped into two main categories:
Problems with social interaction and communication – including problems understanding and being aware of other people's emotions and feelings; it can also include delayed language development and an inability to start conversations or take part in them properly.
Restricted and repetitive patterns of thought, interests and physical behaviours – including making repetitive physical movements, such as hand tapping or twisting, and becoming upset if these set routines are disrupted.
Children, young people and adults with ASD are often also affected by other mental health conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or depression.
About half of those with ASD also have varying levels of learning difficulties. However, with appropriate support many people can be helped to become independent.
Children with more severe symptoms and learning difficulties are likely to need more additional care and assistance to live independently as adults, although there is no reason why they and their families cannot enjoy a good quality of life.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
What I have found when researching is that there are no particular indications as to what causes autism but what I am interested in is how people with autism can be supported.
What I have found when researching is that there are no particular indications as to what causes autism but what I am interested in is how people with autism can be supported.
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