Autism Brochure

Facts About Autism

Autism is...

Pervasive

Autistic Spectrum Disorders are also known as Pervasive Developmental DIsorders. They are called pervasive because they affect all areas of life.

Neurological

Autism is a difference in brain wiring. Physical differencesas well as different usage patterns have been found in autistic brains.

Developmental

Autism usually begins at birth or before and always before age 3.

Genetic

The exact causes of autism are unknown, but genetic factors play a part along with environmental triggers.

A Spectrum

Autistic characteristic range from very subtle to very obvious and everything in between. Asperger Syndrome is one subtype of autism at the high functioning end of the spectrum.

More Common in Males

Four times more males than females are diagnosed with autism. Females may be missed because of differences in expression.

Treatable

Autism itself can't be treated, but there are interventions and therapies which may improve ability to function.

A Syndrome

Autism is not a disease or illness. There are no tests for autism. It is defined by behavioural traits.

A Disability

Even in its most subtle forms, autism causes major problems with processing and interacting with the world.

Puzzling

Autism a very puzzling condition, but many researchers are working on learning more about autsim and how autistic people can be helped.

On the Rise

Diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder is rapidly increasing, but it is not clear whether the increase is in autism itself or just diagnosis.

Some More Facts

Autism is not...

Just One Thing

There are many types and names for autism such as: Autistic Disorder, classical autism, Kanner Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, atypical autism, Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder.

All Bad

Part of the reason autism is so puzzling is that along with the deficits, it brings particular strengths to the individual.

Being Emotionless

Autistic people have the same range and depth of feelings as anyone else, they just may not express them in typical ways.

Always Alone

Many conditions are more common in autism such as obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, epilepsy, dyspraxia, and depression.

A Mental Illness

Autism is a neurological developmental disability, not a chemical imbalance or psychiatric condition.

Visible

Although there are typical behavioural characteristics, autistic people look just like anyone else physically.

Curable

There is no cure for autism, nor is there likely to be one in the forseeable future. Because autism affects everything about the way a person perceives the world, many autistic people would not want a cure even if one were possible.

Rare

Studies have shown that up to 1 in 100 people may have an autistic spectrum disorder.

Simple

Autism affects communication, social skills, perception, and behaviour to varying degrees. It also has complicated causes and no definitive treatment.

New

Autism was first describe in the 1940's. There are probable cases of autism in literature from over 100 years ago.

The bad...

Autistic people may have difficulties with...

• Coordination
• Confusion
• Over- or undersensitive senses.
• Communication
• Anxiety and depression
• Obsessions and rituals
• Social isolation and rejection
• Organisation

The good...

Autistic people may have some of these positives...

• Uniqueness
• Logical thinking
• Highly focused
• Intense interests
• Honest and straightforward
• Attention to detail
• Good memory
• Exceptional abilities

Recognising autism

Autistic people may...

• Move their bodies in unusual ways such as flapping or twiddling hands or fingers.
• Spend inordinate amounts of time arranging or lining things up.
• Seem rude, abrupt, or aloof.
• Speak out of turn, stand too close or far, not use gestures in a typical way, and make too much or too little eye contact.
• Lecture rather than converse.

• Have an unusual accent or way of speaking.
• Talk only about one thing.
• Have poor hygiene or an odd dress sense.
• Be clumsy and/or walk funny.
• Be very good at some things and very poor at others.
• Have an unusual sense of humour.

Help and Information

Autistic people and their carers need respite care, access to therapies and intervention, appropriate education, housing, employment, and practical support.

The best help of all is tolerance and understanding from others.