| Q: What is Autism?
A: Autism is a neurological disorder that causes impairments in communication, ability to learn, and social relatedness. Autism usually strikes during the first three years of a child's life. Parents often tell of a normal talkative child who suddenly seems to disappear before their eyes. The cause of autism is unknown. [to top]
Q: What is a "spectrum disorder"?
A: Autism is a spectrum disorder where symptoms and characteristics can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe and in any combination. A high functioning individual with autism might simply seem eccentric, a loner. More severely affected individuals may hardly communicate and prefer to function primarily in "their own world". Most individuals fall in the middle of the spectrum. [To top]
Q: What are the known statistics of Autism?
A: Autism is more common than ever before — it occurs in 1 in every 166 births. (Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention 2004). This means that over 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with autism. Autism is the second most common serious developmental disability in children. Autism diagnoses grow at a rate of 10-17 percent every year. It is four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls (Autism Society of America). [To top]
Q: What medical advances are being made in autism?
A: Autism has a long history of neglect by medical science. But for the first time the National Institute of Health is allocating research dollars to study autism and attract new scientists to investigate the disorder. One of the most exciting and rapidly advancing areas of study is genetic research. [To top]
Q: What is the most effective educational approach for children with autism?
A: Today most experts believe an "early and intensive behavior intervention program" using a combination of teaching procedures is necessary to have a child reach their full potential. A full assessment of the child's strengths and deficits should direct the child's program. [To top]
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