What is Autism
Autism, the most common of five Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), is a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.
Many with Autism posses unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. Their thinking and learning abilities can vary – from being very gifted to severely challenged.
Autism begins before the age of 3 and remains a lifetime. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls. Is is estimated that 1 in 150 8-year-old children in multiple areas of the United States has Autism.
What are possible signs?
*Avoiding eye contact
*Prefering not to be held or cuddled
*Repeat or echo words or phrases
*Trouble expressing needs using typical words or motions
*Repeat actions over and over again
*Loses skills they once had (stops saying words, etc.)
*Constant rocking back and forth
Talk with your child's physician if one or more of these signs are prevelant.