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AUTISM | ASD
AUTISM
This little light of mine.co.za is casting a light on autism acceptance with this informational site. So, what is Autism?
Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
~ National Autism Association.org
People with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely impaired.
~ Autism South Africa
Autism Fact Sheet
Understanding ASD
AUTISM | ASD
CAUSES
Not long ago, the answer to this question would have been “we have no idea.” Research is now delivering the answers. First and foremost, we now know that there is no one cause of autism, just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes … associated with autism. Research has identified more than 100 autism risk genes. In around 15% of cases, a specific genetic cause of a person’s autism can be identified. However, most cases involve a complex and variable combination of genetic risk and environmental factors that influence early brain development.
~ Autism Speaks.org
Autism Library
Signs of Autism
AUTISM | ASD
UNIQUE ABILITIES
Just as individuals with autism have a variety of
difficulties, they also have some distinctive strengths.
For example, the ability to understand concrete concepts, rules and sequences, Strong long term memory skills, Math skills, Computer skills, Musical ability, Artistic ability, Ability to think in a visual way, Ability to decode written language at an early age (Hyperlexia), Honesty – sometimes to a fault, the Ability to be extremely focused – if they are working on a preferred activity and an Excellent sense of direction.
~ Autism Speaks.org
Autism SA Fanpage
National Autism Fanpage
Autism | ASD
Issues
Physical and Medical Issues that may accompany Autism can be Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy), Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (up to 85% of children with autism have problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea), Genetic disorders (Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis etc), Sensory Integration Dysfunction (Difficulty in processing and integrating sensory information from vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste, movement and position), Sleep dysfunction (very common in children and adolescents with autism), Pica (an eating disorder involving eating things that are not food) and Mental Health challenges (like ADHD and anxiety – one in five children on the autism spectrum also has ADHD and 30% struggle with an anxiety disorder.)
~Autism Speaks.org
The Sensory World
Autism | ASD
Facts
ASD is found in every country, every ethnic group, and every socio-economic class.
About 40% of children with autism do not speak.
About 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until later in childhood.
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet most underfunded.
Autism now affects 1 in 68 children.
Developmental disabilities such as ASD are brain-based, neurological conditions that have more to do with biology than with psychology.
49% of children with autism (US) wander/elope from safe settings, such as homes or schools.
Children who are diagnosed with ASD need early intervention as soon as possible.
~ National Autism Association.org | ~ Autism South Africa |
~ Autism Speaks.org
Safety Brochures
ASD & Siblings Toolkit