Autism is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, reason, and interact with others.  It is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity.  The three “autism spectrum disorders” are:  Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified).

 

Autism was first identified in 1943 and its cause remains unknown.  Researchers believe that there is a genetic component with a variety of possible external or environmental triggers.  Whatever the cause, it is clear that children with autism are born with the disorder or the potential to develop it.  Autism is NOT caused by bad parenting and children with autism do not choose to misbehave.

 

There is no medical test for autism.  A diagnosis of autism is based on observation of the child by a multidisciplinary team of professionals.  The child’s communication, behavior, social, and developmental levels are observed in a variety of settings.  In an educational evaluation of autism, the child is evaluated by a Psychologist, Social Worker, and Speech/Language Pathologist.  An Occupational Therapist or a Physical Therapist may also be an integral part of the evaluation team. 

 

There is no cure for autism.  Evidence shows that early intervention results in positive outcomes for children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder).  Children with autism respond well to a highly structured, specialized educational program tailored to meet their needs.  Many children with ASD are included in their local school system while others benefit more from classrooms designed to address functional living skills.