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Definition
of Autism:
A
condition occurring in young children before the age of 3
years characterized by unresponsiveness to human contact,
deficits in language development, and bizarre responses to
environmental stimuli.
Causes,
incidence, and risk factors
The
cause of autism is unknown but it may include psychological,
physiological, and sociological factors. The autistic child is
unresponsive to other people, communicates poorly, and may
seem to be repulsed by physical contact. Parental behavior
towards autistic children may seem distant and unaffectionate.
This type of response from parents may be a reaction to the
disorder rather than a cause of autism. The disorder has been
associated with maternal rubella infection, phenylketonuria
(an inherited disorder of metabolism), tuberous sclerosis (an
inherited disease of the nervous system and skin), lack of
oxygen at birth, encephalitis, and infantile spasms.
Symptoms
-
unresponsiveness
to people
-
lack
of attachment to parents or caretakers
-
rigid
or flaccid muscle tone while being held
-
little
or no interest in human contact
-
lack
of attachment to parents or caretakers
-
language
impairment
-
bizarre
or repetitive behavior patterns such as uncontrollable
head banging, screaming fits, arm flapping
-
self-destructive
behavior
-
very
distressed by minor changes in the environment
-
overreaction
or underreaction to sensory stimulus
-
delayed
mental and social skills
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