Autism

AUTISM ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is commonly known as a complex brain condition that affects a person’s communication and social development.

It is suggested that Autism is the result of the disease being passed on through genetics. It is also believed that Autism is the result of the abnormal development of neurons in the brain, hindering the functioning of them as they are not effective in communicating with other nerve cells in the brain and the rest of the body. When the condition is present, the brain is unable to interpret messages sent to it, making communication with an autistic person difficult. A definite cause, however, cannot be stated due to the complexities of the human brain.

Autism is a wide-spectrum disorder which means that different people may display different symptoms of the condition. Some Autism sufferers appear to be **socially clumsy**. This means that his/her speech may be unintentionally offensive or they may not show any interest in being around others at all.

A person with Autism may also find it difficult to detect and understand the of people around them, making it difficult for them to empathise with them. However, with constant reminders from people, they can be taught to be more considerate to the feelings of others.

Another observation made was that many Autistic people don’t like **being touched**. However, with practice, an Autistic person may be comfortable with physical contact with other people if it is anticipated by the sufferer.

The higher the severity of the condition, the more affected the **speaking skills** of the patient are. Some children may not speak at all while others may just repeat particular words or phrases once head before. Sometimes the speech of an Autistic person may appear formal even when in a non-formal situation.

The **learning ability** of an Autistic person may be unpredictable and may vary from person to person. They may be able to learn how to do something difficult before learning how to do it the easy way. They may also learn something at a rate faster or slower than other people their age.

It has been noted that Autism first presents itself in the first three years of a child’s life. The long term prognosis of Autism varies with different patients and is completely unpredictable. Autism on its own cannot be fatal, however, it does presetn a series of other health conditions such as eating and seizure disorders. The condition may worsen and this is generally when the child is between the ages of 3 and ten years, however, this may not be the case for all patients. Early diagnosis and treatment for the condition is essential to help children develop to their full potential. Treatment for the disease includes specialised therapies, behavioural training and management and medication used to treat related conditions. Treatment, however, does depend on the symptoms displayed by the sufferer and the severity of the condition. The condition and behaviours of an Autistic person may be controlled, but the disease may not be reversed or cured completely. Treatment

Children with Autism find it difficult to interpret information sent to their brain which, in turn, makes it difficult to speak, play, learn, understand and interact with others around them. This often frustrates the child and the person associating with them. It is necessary for parents, teachers and other family members to be patient and tolerant when associating with someone suffering from Autism. They are also required to understand the mind-functioning and the person’s ability to comprehend things. This, ultimately, makes it easier for others to associate with the child.

 Difficulties dealing with someone who has Autism is also dependant on the severity of the condition in the person. The worse the condition, the more difficult it becomes for others to communicate with an Autistic person.

This video is effective in discribing the difficulties and frustrations extperienced by a child suffering from Autism. It is alos effective in showing us how to possibly interact with such children. media type="youtube" key="AbeyIG7Fz8s?rel=0" height="480" width="640" align="center"

REFERENCES
 * http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/brain/autism.html
 * http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/autism/
 * http://www.childbrain.com/pddq12.shtml
 * http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-treatment-overview
 * http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090909053540AAlgeKX