Autism - Description & Background

What is Autism?

What Causes Autism? ››

The History of Autism ››

The Triad of Impairments ››

The Continuum ››

Sensory Issues ››

Approaches ››

What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

While understanding of autism has grown tremendously since it was first described by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943, most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism. Contrary to popular understanding, many children and adults with autism may make eye contact, show affection, smile and laugh, and demonstrate a variety of other emotions, although in varying degrees. Like other children, they respond to their environment in both positive and negative ways.

Autism is 4 times more prevalent in boys and knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle and education do not affect the chance of autism. Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.

People with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate and relate to the outside world. They may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resist any changes in routines.

The label 'autism' and 'autistic' come from the Greek word autos, meaning self and were coined in 1911 by a psychiatrist, Eugen Bleuler. He used the terms to describe an aspect of schizophrenia, where an individual withdraws totally from the outside world into himself.

Contrary to popular understanding, many people with autism may make eye contact, show affection, smile and laugh, and demonstrate a variety of other emotions, although in varying degrees.

back to home page