Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the development of communication and social interaction skills. The cause of Autism is unknown. Current research suggests that it is a biological disorder of brain development.

To receive a diagnosis of autism, the characteristics must appear before the age of three years old. Significantly more boys than girls are affected (approximately 4:1). As many as one in every 150 Canadian children has a form of autism. School boards across the country show an average increase in autism of 63 per cent in the last two years.*

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviour may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

Its prevalence makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism. Children who have autism can learn and function productively and show gains from appropriate education and treatment.

Source: Canadian National Autism Foundation
* Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network

 

 

Due to the plasticity of the brain between the ages of two to four (and slightly into the age of five) early intervention is key.