Autism
What Is Autism?
Autism is a development disability that affects you from birth. Autism affects both communication and behavioural skills and can be characterised by repetitive behaviour, routine and strong, obsessive interests.
It is estimated that up to twelve per cent of school children could have autism in some form and it affects half a million families in the UK.
What Are The Symptoms Of Autism?
There are three main symptoms of autism, these are:
- behaviours
- lack of imagination
- lack of social behaviour
What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s Syndrome is a branch of autism. People with aspergers tend to have average or above average intelligence. Others suffering with autism may have learning disabilities
In recent years much attention has been paid to the contentious idea of an “autism epidemic.” Whilst some feel the condition is on the increase, others believe that the rise in numbers is due to increased awareness and diagnosis.
What Causes Autism?
It is thought that autistic children inherit a particular set of genes that make them susceptible to the condition. Being susceptible to the genes does not mean that a child will definitely go on to be autistic, scientists believe there is also an environmental trigger which probably happens during pregnancy. Parents with an autistic child have a five per cent chance of having a similarly affected second child. This percentage is higher than in the national population.
Which Environmental Factors Make Autism More Likely?
Studies are currently taking place looking at the relationship of diet, stress, illness, birth complications, exposure to dangerous substances (i.e. mercury) and testosterone levels. At present no clear conclusions have been drawn.
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