What is autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that typically affects a person's ability to
communicate, form relationships, and respond appropriately to the environment. Autism results from a neurological disorder that impedes normal brain development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.

Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social, or economic boundaries, and the overall incidence rate is
relatively consistent around the globe. There is no definitive cause or cure for this lifelong
disorder, which affects four times as many boys as girls and usually manifests itself during the
first three years of life.

Often referred to as a "spectrum disorder," the symptoms and characteristics of autism can
present themselves in a variety of combinations, to varying degrees of severity, from mild to
severe. The phrase “autism spectrum disorders” (ASD) refers to a broad definition of autism
including Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Rett's syndrome, Asperger syndrome, and
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways. Common traits of autism include:

• Resistance to change
• Odd repetitive motions
• Preference for being alone
• Aversion to cuddling
• Avoidance of eye contact
• Inappropriate attachments to objects
• Hyper-activity or under-activity
• Over- or under-active sensory responsiveness
• Uneven gross/fine motor skills, such as difficulty grasping objects, or
dressing themselves
• Repeating words or monologues
• Laughing, crying, or showing distress for unapparent reasons
• Unresponsive to verbal cues
• Tantrums, and possible aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviour

Like all individuals, however, those with autism have unique personalities and combinations of
autistic characteristics. Many children and adults with autism have or develop the ability to make eye contact, show affection, smile, laugh, and build verbal or non-verbal language skills, but generally in different ways than typically-developing individuals.

Since autism was first described more than 60 years ago, the body of related knowledge has
grown substantially. However, a vast majority of the public, including many medical and
educational professionals, is still unaware of how autism affects people and how to effectively
support and interact with affected individuals.

While it isn’t possible to “outgrow” or to be “cured” of autism, symptoms can be lessened and
skills can be acquired with treatment and support. Geneva Centre for Autism provides just that – and in doing so, gives hope to thousands of families in need.

source: www.autism.net