Causes
Scientists do not know exactly which are the causes of autism. Recent studies have shown that genetic factors play a major role. In the case of twins if one of them has autism, then the other has a 90% possibility of developing autism as well. In normal siblings the percentage falls to 35%. Researchers try to identify which are the genes or combination of genes that cause autism but they haven’t concluded to solid results yet. However, having specific gene mutations does not necessarily mean that you will develop autism.
There are also environmental and perinatal factors that account for the disorder. Scientists try to find out how genes interact with the environment in order to further elucidate the causes of the syndrome. Psychologists that work with autistic children have reported that very often their parents exhibit autistic behavior as well. This implies that apart from the genetic factors there may be some communication patterns between parents and children that contribute to autism.
Symptoms
Symptoms of autism can generally be divided into three categories:
Social impairment: children with autism usually face difficulties in their social interaction. They don’t make eye contact, they don’t reply to other people’s questions and they do not share their toys with other children. Quite often they have a strange reaction to other people’s feelings and they seem to be afraid of human contact.
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There are also environmental and perinatal factors that account for the disorder. Scientists try to find out how genes interact with the environment in order to further elucidate the causes of the syndrome. Psychologists that work with autistic children have reported that very often their parents exhibit autistic behavior as well. This implies that apart from the genetic factors there may be some communication patterns between parents and children that contribute to autism.
Symptoms
Symptoms of autism can generally be divided into three categories:
Social impairment: children with autism usually face difficulties in their social interaction. They don’t make eye contact, they don’t reply to other people’s questions and they do not share their toys with other children. Quite often they have a strange reaction to other people’s feelings and they seem to be afraid of human contact.
Communication problems: many children with autism have communication problems. More specifically, they don’t respond when somebody calls them with their name and have difficulty in understanding and responding to emotions. As far as language is concerned, they build up their vocabulary more slowly than other children and use a sign language of their own. On other occasions, they repeat single words or phrases and use words that are out of context.
Stereotypical behaviors: some children with autism develop certain behaviors which are called stereotypical (for example flapping their arms or walking in specific patterns). Others focus on moving their toys in repetitive motions or spend a lot of time putting toys in a line. When somebody interrupts these kinds of rituals, they feel really upset. Last but not least, children with autism develop intense preoccupations with certain subjects such as bus timetables, numbers, symbols and science topics.
What is your experience with autism and autistic children? Please share in the comments below.
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