What is autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.

 What causes autism?

We don't know.  There is no known single cause for autism. Research is being done related to vaccines, medical, environment, genetics and other areas.  They are investigating biological and neurological differences in these individuals.  There are some situations where there is a specific genetic link. Researchers are making some important discoveries, but the bottom line is we don't know enough about what causes autism. However, studies have shown that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

 How common is autism?

Current statistics are 1 in 150 children. Thirty years ago the statistics were 1 in 10,000.  There has been a significant increase. ASA estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism.

 Why has there been such a huge increase in numbers?

We don't know.

 Are there really more people with autism now or are we just diagnosing them better?

Probably both.  We are now diagnosing some students with autism that may have received a different diagnosis in the past.  But that does not account for the significant increase in numbers of children currently being diagnosed.

 Is autism only in the USA?

No.  It is world wide. The World Health Organization does not maintain global statistics on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders or appropriate treatments specifically. There are groups like Action for Autism in India that estimate the number of individuals with autism at 2 million.

 What are the symptoms?

Two most noticeable areas of difficulty are in social skills and communication. 

 Are all people with autism like Rainman and have special skills?

No.  There are some that have what we call a "savant" skill like Rainman with numbers, or in other areas such as art or music.  But all individuals with autism are not savants.

 Are all children with autism alike?

No.  We use the term Autism Spectrum Disorders.  There is a spectrum of behaviors and skills and abilities.  Some children are considered mild and others are more severe.  But there are some specific core areas of difficulty in these individuals.

What do you think about the latest people who have been on TV with a child who was cured from autism?

There are many different therapies and treatments that people try for their children.  Some children make significant changes.  The problem is that there is no one intervention that has been proven to help everyone.  That makes it difficult for parents to make decisions about what to do.

You must have a lot of patience to work with them.