Autism Awareness

Having 2 kids on the Autism Spectrum; I'm often asked about it. I'm not a doctor but I try to learn as much as I can about it too. Here are some of the things that someone just learning about Autism might want to know. In the future I may blog about our subjective experience being an Autism family.

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What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. It's characterized by varying degrees of difficulty with communication— verbal and non-verbal, sensory processing, and social skill development. Other symptoms common to many people with Autism are:

• Regression of milestones at 12-18 months

• Is in a "zone" a lot

• Doesn't react predictably

• Lacks boundaries

• Poor eye contact

• Doesn't respond to their name

• Doesn't acknowledge parents/family as special

• Lack of mirroring

• Lack of empathy or sympathy

• High pain tolerance

• Intense interest in preferred activity

• Impulsivity

• Sensitivity to loud or abrupt noise

• Inability to distinguish background/foreground sound

• Anxiety

• Deep emotional attachments to objects

• Spends long time period watching things move

• Obsessive Compulsive

• Appears disinterested or aloof

• Avoids touch or touches too much

• Doesn't play make believe or pretend

• High pitched squeals, voice, or abrupt noise

• Repeats words and phrases

• Repeats questions instead of answering

• Doesn't understand nuance, inference, or sarcasm

• Facial expressions don't match mood

• Awkward posture, clumsiness, eccentric

• Learning disability or hyperability

• Wandering away

• Self-harm

• Feeling trapped

• Speech delay

• Unaware of others emotions

• Nativity

• Stimming (self-stimulating)

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Sleep issues

• Sensory seeking or defensive

• Poor motor skill development

• Doesn't crawl or walk, or late

• Lines things up, reorders, reorgs

• Spinning, rocking, flapping

What causes Autism?

There's no confirmed scientific agreement on a single cause of Autism. The most current scientific evidence suggests there's a genetic role. It's widely accepted Autism is a response to abnormalities in the brain. Brain scans have founds similarities in the brain among Autistic persons that neurotypical persons don't have. The newest research has found possibility of inheritance of a predisposition to Autism that when combined with "de novo" gene mutations result in Autistic symptoms.

What is High Functioning Autism (HFA)?

HFA is a term given to people with Autism who are cognitively higher functioning than most people with Autism. About half of the population of people with Autism have IQ's ranging 65-85. Roughly a quarter of people with Autism are intellectually disabled. And the remaining quarter are of average or above average intelligence. HFA is when a person with Autism has normal to genius level intelligence test scores. Previously called Asperger's Syndrome, HFA may have added symptoms or aid in the improvement of other symptoms commonly associated with Autism. High functioning people with Autism may for instance, learn to speak— although may be shy or say shocking things. Someone with HFA may have an incredible photographic memory, but a poor memory when it comes to things they hear.

How can I help?

• Learn all you can about Autism

• Ask questions about Autism

• Be friendly towards people with Autism

• Spread the word about Autism Awareness

• Have patience with Autistic persons and their families

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_{Photo from Pixabay}

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• April is Autism Awareness Month. Getting a head start!

Resteem for Autism Awareness or make your own post. The image above is public domain and you're welcome to use it to make your own post.