What does Autism Mean?

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects a person’s everyday life. It is defined as a spectrum of conditions characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and creating and maintaining relationships with others. While autism is widely misunderstood, its definition is easy to understand: it is the lifelong disability caused by the lack of ability to connect with the outside world.

What are Some of the Symptoms of Autism?

Some of the key symptoms that autism affects are social interaction and communication. People with autism often have difficulty in expressing their thoughts and feelings, as well as difficulty in understanding the perspectives of others. Other common symptoms of autism include difficulty with motor coordination, difficulty with sensory processing, difficulty with emotional regulation, difficulty with problem solving and executive functioning, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and difficulty with communicating with peers.

How is Autism Diagnosed?

Autism is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a team of trained professionals, including a psychologist, neurologist, and occupational therapist. The evaluation evaluates a child’s development including communication, language, behavior, social skills, and atten-tion/focus. It may also include other tests such as speech-language assessments and assessment of movements as well as medical tests to rule out other medical diagnoses. A diagnosis of autism is based on the presence of specific signs and symptoms present in the individual.

Conclusion

Autism is a lifelong disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and connect with the outside world. From the difficulty in forming relationships, to the differences in social interactions and communication, there are many facets to autism. While it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of autism, it is equally important to recognize the value that those with autism can bring to our world. With the right diagnosis and treatments, individuals with autism can and do lead fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to our society.