The stereotypical view of autism is the one portrayed by Dustin Hoffman in the movie rainman : an individual unable to function well in society, with unusual mental abilities, repetitive behaviors, and strange speech patterns. Today, it is recognized as a developmental disorder that begins at birth or in early childhood and, if left untreated, can seriously affect a child's ability to develop normal social interactions.
Autism appears anywhere from one in 166 births to one in 500 births; it was previously thought to occur only once in 10,000 births. It is not clear whether the recent increases in diagnoses are due to better diagnostic criteria or a real increase in the frequency with which it occurs. Its causes are the subject of considerable controversy, although a genetic propensity, possibly triggered by environmental factors, is a leading candidate. Certainly autism or autistic characteristics can run in families.
The condition is believed to be a neurological and sensory disorder; autistics do not perceive or relate to the rest of the world in the same way as non-autistics. Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who earned a doctorate in animal behavior as an adult, wrote about her life with autism in Thinking in Pictures . She claims that the cognition of an autistic person is much more tied to visual stimuli than that of non-autistic people.
Autism in children can be diagnosed very early, already between 12 and 18 months. Signs include the following:
- language development problems : A baby may babble and begin to pick up concepts of a word, then at some point stop learning new words and lose what has already been required. Some autistic children never begin to develop language at all.
- social retreat : Instead of enjoying and seeking out social interactions, a young child with autism will avoid them, preferring their own company. A child who actively, even obsessively, avoids eye contact may be in the early stages of the condition.
- sensory problems : Autism appears to interfere with the way a child processes sensory information. The tactile sensations can be overwhelming or addictive. Visual stimuli, like the spinning blades of a fan, can be an irresistible focus.
- repetitive behavior : Children with this condition often perform ritualistic or repetitive movements. Hand flapping, arranging toys instead of playing with them, and opening and closing cabinets repeatedly over a long period of time may be hallmarks of autism.
Autism is considered a spectrum disorder , that is, the problems caused by it can range from mild to severe. The earlier the disorder is diagnosed and treated, often through cognitive and behavioral intervention, the more functional autistics can be. Many people diagnosed today can successfully integrate into the educational system. Many municipalities now have special services in the educational system to treat autistic children; Parents should consult with a pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment information if they think their child might have this condition.