What Is Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects a person's social and communication skills. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is any developmental disabilities that have been caused by a brain abnormality that also affects a person's social and communication skills. Autism is known as a broad spectrum disorder which means that unlike many conditions and illnesses no two patients will have the exact same symptoms. As well the severity of symptoms will vary from person to person allowing some to function relatively "normally" whereas others will be completely dependent on care givers for their entire lives. Parents with autistic children or children with ASD face many different challenges due to the unusual signs of autism and ASD.

Signs of Autism: Feelings and Social Skills

Many people are under the impression that children with autism or ASD are unfeeling and uncaring. This is largely due to their inability to express emotions and interact on the same social level that most people expect. Children with autism are just as capable of love and feelings as those without disabilities but have difficulty showing them or expressing them. Autism affects a child's social skills. Most children learn the necessary social skills to speak appropriately and edit their comments and observances. Children with autism or ASD do not have this skill which means they can often blurt out exactly what they are thinking without understanding it can offend someone. Children with autism will also rarely make eye contact and this can be unsettling for some people who regard this as distrustful behaviour or even rude. As well those with autism are not great conversationalists and will often not even answer questions when being spoken to by others. This can be difficult for parents for children with autism as the signs of autism can make a child seem unlovable. Often people will react negatively towards them when they do not understand the reason for their behaviour. There are many books such as "How to Teach Life Skills to Kids with Autism or Aspergers" and software such as "Functional Living Skills/Behavioural Rules" that parents can use to assist their children with becoming more social.

Signs of Autism: Affection and Actions

An unfortunate myth that affects children with autism is that they do not enjoy affection. Although this can be true of some, many enjoy hugging and cuddling especially with those they feel closest to such as parents, grandparents, siblings and teachers. The actions and gestures of autistic children can be disturbing to many people as one of the signs of autism is going over the same motions repetitively and obsessively. Rocking, arm flapping, hitting themselves and even odd walking on tip toes, hopping and skipping can be worrisome to those who are not used to being around a child with autism. Books such as "Aut-aerobics" teach children with autism about movement using exercise and dance.

Signs of Autism: Learning and Development

The most challenging signs of autism can make living with an autistic child difficult. It can also make it difficult to predict what to expect from their learning and development. Children with autism can often surprise teachers and parents by learning more quickly than classmates especially for skills such as reading. However it can be discouraging as quick as they learn something, they can just as quickly seem to completely forget. They also may choose to do a simple task in the most monotonous and difficult way. Each child is different and parents and teachers must learn how best to deal with their specific needs.

Aiding a child with learning and development using tools, toys and books designed for ASD can improve the quality of life for both parents and children and work best when introduced as early as possible. Other treatments include nutraceuticals and chelators. Finding the combination that works best for your child will make living with autism that much easier. There are numerous aids to help you cope with autism for more information go to " signsofautism.org".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gayle_M_McLeod
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