What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate and relate to others. There is a wide range of intensity of the disability, but all people affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have difficulty with social skills and communication. People affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder can range from having a severe developmental disability to those who are intellectually gifted. Some individuals may be non-verbal but can learn to use an alternative communication device, or can be highly verbal, but have difficulty using language in social situations and reading non-verbal cues from others.
Individuals affected with ASD may exhibit repeated body movements, resistance to a change in routine, sensory sensitivity; severe reactions to noise, light, or touch, or unusual responses or attachment to objects.
There is no known cause or cure for Autism, but early intervention, structured education, support, and training are empirically validated ways of providing support for individuals with ASD to assist them in participation and successful integration into society.
