Autism

8 Pages 1946 Words

ldren highly affected by autism. They are communication, social interaction, sensory impairment, play and behavior.
Every person with autism has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some autistic people mildly affected may exhibit only slight delays in language and communication and greater challenges with social interactions. The abilities of an autistic child may fluctuate from day to day due to difficulties in processing, concentration or anxiety. They may show evidence of learning one day, but not the next. Learning can be affected by external stimuli and anxiety. They may have average or above average verbal, memory or spatial skills but find it difficult to be imaginative or join in activities with others. Individuals with more severe challenges may require intensive support to manage basic tasks and needs of day to day living.
Contrary to popular belief, many individuals with autism make eye contact, show affection, smile, laugh and demonstrate a variety of other emotions, although in varying degrees. Like others, they respond to environment with both negative and positive ways. Autism may affect their range of responses and make it more difficult to control how their bodies and minds react. Sometimes motor, visual, and/or processing problems make it difficult to maintain eye contact with others. Some autistic people use peripheral vision rather than looking directly at others. Sometimes the closeness or touch of others may be painful, resulting in withdrawal.
Several related disorders are grouped under “Persuasive Developmental Disorder” or PDD- a general category of disorders, which are characterized by severe and persuasive impairment in several areas of development. A PDD is diagnosed when a specified number of characteristics are present. Diagnostic evaluations are based on the presence of sp...