Top Eight Facts About Autism - You'll Want to Know

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Autism is a "Spectrum" disorder

Parents of children with autism quickly eat information about the disorder. But what about in-laws, teachers, coaches, and cousins? Only a few people who are outside a close family really want to read the 20 condensed pages of the National Institutes of Health. Here are a few bare basics for those who know and interact with your child - as a well-wisher.

Autism can be mildly autistic or very autistic. Thus, it is possible to be bright, verbal, and autistic as well as cognitively challenging, non-verbal, and autistic. Symptoms can range from sensitivity to light and sound to exceptional "savant" abilities. A disorder that includes such a wide range of symptoms is often referred to as a frequency disorder; hence the term "autism spectrum disorder". The most significant common symptom is difficulty with social communication (Eye contact, conversation, understanding another perspective, etc.).

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Asperger's syndrome is a high form of autism

Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is no longer a formal diagnosis (as of May 2013, when the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic Manual for Mental Health Problems is published). However, the term is still used to describe a form of autism in which people develop speech at the right time, are bright and verbal, but have significant social challenges (hence the AS’s nickname “Geek Syndrome”). Often referred to as “functional autism,” this disorder can be very challenging because it can also include anxiety, sensory disturbances, and other symptoms.

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People with are different autism

If you’ve seen Rainman or a TV show about autism, you might think you know what autism “looks like”. In fact, when you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. Some people with autism are passionate; others are quiet. Many have hallucinations, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, and other medical problems. Many do not. Others may have social-communication delays - but they are able to function in very typical situations.

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There are thousands of treatments for autism - but no "cure"

As far as medicine is aware, there is currently no cure for autism. This is not to say that people in the desert do not heal, as many heal radically. But even though people with autism increase their skills, they are still autistic, which means they think and see differently than most people. Children with autism can receive a variety of treatments. Treatments can be medical, organoleptic, behavioral, developmental, or even artistic. Depending on the child, some treatments are more successful than others.

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There are many theories about the cause of autism, but no consensus

You may have seen or heard news reports about possible causes of autism. Theories range from food fertilization (although there is ample evidence to undermine the theory) to genetics from the age of the parents to almost everyone else.

Right now, most researchers think autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors - and it’s entirely possible that different people have different causes for their symptoms.

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Children rarely “grow up” or “overcome” autism

Autism is usually a lifelong diagnosis. For some people, often (but not always) who receive intensive early intervention, symptoms may decrease radically. Individuals with autism can also learn coping skills to help them manage difficulties and even build their unique strengths. But autism is probably autistic for the rest of its life.

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Families Help Autism Need Help and Support?

Even “functioning” autism is challenging. “Recently acting” autism can be overwhelming for the whole family. Families can be very stressed and need all the non-judgemental help they can get from friends, extended families, and providers. Rescue care (another person treating autism while other family members take a break) can be a marriage and/or family saver!

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There is no best school for a child with autism

You may have heard of a wonderful “autism school” or read about a child doing amazingly well in a certain type of classroom. While every setting may be perfect for a child, every child with autism has a unique need. Even in an ideal world, a child with “typical class” autism may not be the best choice. Decisions about autistic education are usually made by a team of parents, teachers, caregivers, and therapists who know the child well.

Final words

With so much sensory information on morning shows, questionable websites, and forums, it’s important that parents of background people share the facts. In fact, parents are the best possible ambassadors to find out what autism is - and what is not - for the whole world.