Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a disorder caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with Autism. While it is thought that Classic Autism begins in infancy and Regressive Autism occurs in early childhood between twelve and twenty-four months after a period of normal development, it is clear that we know that there is not one Autism but many types. A major symptom of Autism is a failure to develop normal socialization skills. The child may demonstrate reduced eye contact and interest in objects. Children with Autism may have an independent agenda and have difficulty interacting with others. Their communication skills are often significantly involved and some children are non-verbal and do not learn to speak. Some children memorize language and repeat dialogue from videotapes or previous heard “scripted” language. Children with Autism may have the need for routine and have difficulty with transitions. They may have unusual play behaviors such as holding objects, spinning objects, or lining objects up. They may have sensory differences such as reactions to loud noises, sniffing objects, walking on tip-toe or disliking certain textures of food. A hallmark characteristic of Autism is showing or having a history of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. Repeated body movements, obsessive fixations, excessive repeating of sounds, syllables, words or phrases and intense preoccupation with specific objects or subjects are restricted, repetitive behaviors. It is important to note that some individuals with Autism are very high functioning and may appear typical at first glance to adults and perhaps peers. The sustained impression held by peers is that of a subtly awkward and different person.
