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What is autism?
Autism (sometimes called "classical autism") is the most common condition in a group of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), also known as the autism spectrum disorders …(ASDs). Pervasive developmental disorders are included in the broader category of developmental disorders. .
Autism is characterized by three distinctive behaviors. Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling. Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when more debilitating handicaps mask it. Scientists aren't certain what causes autism, but it's likely that both genetics and environment play a role. .
Is there any treatment? .
There is no cure for autism. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that target the core symptoms of autism: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines and interests. Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better. .
What is the prognosis? .
For many children, autism symptoms improve with treatment and with age. Some children with autism grow up to lead normal or near-normal lives. Children whose language skills regress early in life, usually before the age of 3, appear to be at risk of developing epilepsy or seizure-like brain activity. During adolescence, some children with autism may become depressed or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed. .
What research is being done? .
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. As part of the Children's Health Act of 2000, the NINDS and three sister institutes have formed the NIH Autism Coordinating Committee to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH's autism research. More information about the Autism Coordinating Committee is available at their website provided in the links in the Related Links section. Eight dedicated research centers across the country have been established as "Centers of Excellence in Autism Research" to bring together resea. .
Organizations .
Association for Science in Autism Treatment P.O. Box 188 Crosswicks, NJ 08515-0188 info@asatonline.org Tel: 781-397-8943 (need to update this number) Fax: 781-397-8887 (need to update this number) .
Autism National Committee (AUTCOM) P.O. Box 429 Forest Knolls, CA 94933 .
Autism Network International (ANI) P.O. Box 35448 Syracuse, NY 13235-5448 jisincla@mailbox.syr.edu Autism Research Institute (ARI) 4182 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 director@autism.com Tel: 619-281-7165 Fax: 619-563-6840 .
Autism Society of America 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 300 Bethesda, MD 20814-3067 Tel: 301-657-0881 800-3AUTISM (328-8476) Fax: 301-657-0869 .
Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250 Los Angeles, CA 90036-4234 info@cureautismnow.org Tel: 323-549-0500 888-8AUTISM (828-8476) Fax: 323-549-0547 .
MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger's, and PDD P.O. Box 524 Crown Point, IN 46308 info@maapservices.org Tel: 219-662-1311 Fax: 219-662-0638 .
Autism Speaks/National Alliance for Autism Research 2 Park Avenue, 11th Floor New York, NY 10016 Short Answer .
Autism, or autistic syndrome, is a neurological problem which interferes with a person's ability to communicate with other people. The term autism literally means aloneness. Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. It is a condition, present from early childhood, characterized bygreat difficulty in communicating and forming relationships withother people and in using language and abstract concepts Autism, now referred to as (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder, is aseries of personality symptoms reflected in a persons socialbehavior and interaction with other people in a way that isdifferent than what most "normal" people do. There are no physicaltraits, blood test or diagnostic imaging available to diagnoseautism. Determining ASD is based strictly on observation ofbehavior. (MORE)
