Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. Children and adults with autism are unable to relate to others in a meaningful way. Their ability to develop friendships is impaired as is their capacity to understand other people's feelings.
People with autism can often have accompanying learning disabilities but everyone with the condition shares a difficulty in making sense of the world.
There is also a condition called Asperger syndrome which is a form of autism used to describe people at the higher functioning end of the autistic spectrum.
Reality to an autistic person is a confusing, interacting mass of events, people, places, sounds and sights. There seems to be no clear boundaries, order or meaning to anything. A large part of my life is spent just trying to work out the pattern behind everything.
All people with autism have impairments in social interaction, social communication and imagination. This is referred to as the triad of impairments.
Social interaction (difficulty with social relationships, for example appearing aloof and indifferent to other people)
Social communication (difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, for example not really understanding the meaning of gestures, facial expressions or tone of voice).
Imagination (difficulty in the development of play and imagination, for example having a limited range of imaginative activities, possibly copied and pursued rigidly and repetitively).
In addition to this triad, repetitive behaviour patterns are a notable feature and a resistance to change in routine.
The exact cause or causes of autism is/are still not known but research shows that genetic factors are important. It is also evident from research that autism is associated with a variety of conditions affecting brain development which occur before, during, or very soon after birth.
The earlier a diagnosis of autism is made, the better the chances are of a person receiving appropriate help and support.
Specialist education and structured support can really make a difference to the life of a person with autism's life, helping to maximise skills and achieve full potential in adulthood.
Information on services can be found by visiting the Headquarters website... www.nas.org.uk