Facts on Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability, the result of a neurological disorder affecting the functioning of the brain

Usually diagnosed during the first 3 years of life, an accurate diagnosis requires a team of professionals, which may include a pediatrician, child psychologist, speech and occupational therapist, among others

The prevalence rate of 1 of every 150 makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities, affecting more children than childhood cancer, Down Syndrome and juvenile diabetes, combined.  A child is diagnosed with autism about every 20 minutes. And the prevalence is growing at a rate of 10 to 17 percent per year.  In 1992 there were five school-aged children in Illinois with autism. Today, there are 13,000.  Autism occurs 4 times more frequently in males than females, and frequently occurs in association with other disorders that effect the functioning of the brain, such as epilepsy or metabolic disorders.

Interferes with speech, learning and social skills development.  Echolalia (persons with autism echoing words and phrases instead of forming his/her own) is a common characteristic of autism.

Symptoms can include any combination of the following: Abnormal responses to sensations, such as touch or hearing.  Unusual ways of relating to people, objects, and events.  Disturbances in the rate of appearance of physical, social and language skills.  Delays in language development are common.  Resistance to change, Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play.  Difficulties with skilled motor functions.  Social withdrawal.

Manifests as a spectrum disorder.  Individuals with autism may display characteristics of the disorder that range from mild to severe. 

Myths About Autism

Many myths about autism exist.  Some are out-dated theories or ideas which current research has proven false.  Others are broad generalizations about autism characteristics, which may apply to some individuals with autism, but do not apply to all.  Autism is a spectrum disorder, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.  Individuals vary greatly; each person with autism is unique and a person first and foremost.

The following statements are not true:

1. Individuals with autism never make eye contact.

2. Autism is a mental illness.

3. Progress means that a person doesn't have autism.

4. Individuals with autism do not speak.

5. Autism can be outgrown.

6. Individuals with autism cannot learn.

7. Underneath the difficult behaviors is a normal person.

8. Individuals with autism cannot show affection and do not respond to physical affection.

9. Individuals with autism do not want friends.

10. Individuals with autism do not relate to peers/adults.

11. Individuals with autism are very manipulative.

12. Individuals with autism could talk if they wanted to.

13. Individuals with autism cannot smile.

14. Individuals with autism don't notice others and don't pick up on cues from peers/adults.

15. When a person with autism does not respond to a question/direction to which he has shown a previous correct response, he is being stubborn, non-compliant, and/or obnoxious.