Thousands of people are living with a diagnosis of Autism. Thousands more know someone with a diagnosis. They are our children, students, coworkers, and friends. For some this is an everyday way of life while many others are just beginning their journey. Still many more thousands of people are unaware of the plight of those affected by Autism.
This page provides an undefinitive summary, resources, and insights related to the diagnosis of Autism.
AUTISM SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Autism is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by:
- social impairments
- cognitive impairment’s
- communication difficulties
- repeatative behavior’s
According to the Mayo Clinic: Autism requires a medical diagnosis. The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors.
People with Autism may experience the following:
Behavioral: inappropriate social interactions , poor eye contact, compulsive behavior, impulsively, repetitive movement, self-harm, or persistent repetition of words or actions
Developmental: learning disability or speech delay in a child
Cognitive: intense interest in a limited number of things or problem paying attention
Psychological: unaware of others’ emotions or depression
Also common: anxiety, change in voice, sensitivity to sound, or tic
Link to source at Mayo Clinic: ASD Further information about symtoms of ASD can be found at the CDC.gov website.
so and so defines Autism as …
3 links
Visual charts
My perspective and summary (Personal observations: As you have read the symptoms list above, does this give you a real account of what it is like to know a person with Autism? For me it does not. The descriptions cannot tell you what it’s like to experience the interactions. It may described a person with Autism as having communication deficits but does not describe how to communicate with a person with Autism.
TREATMENTS
ABA
Counseling
Drug
Beware of ineffective treatment execution
Unresearched treatments and hoaxes
Doing it yourself ? (Not recommended. Everyone needs help. If you are good luck. It is possible but unless experienced may not work. Taking a chance. Is it best for parent or child?)
Links to resources
Regional centers
Across states
Insurance
Special Needs Family.org 