Overview:
Autism is known as a complex developmental disability. Experts believe that Autism presents itself during the first three years of a person’s life. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the person’s communication and social interaction skills. People with autism have issues with non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play and/or banter.
Autism is sometimes referred to as ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder/Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This covers a wide range of disorders all categorised under Autism/ASD. A person with an ASD typically has difficulty with social and communication skills.
The symptoms:
Autism (or ASD) is a wide-spectrum disorder. This means that no two people with autism will have exactly the same symptoms. As well as experiencing varying combinations of symptoms, some people will have mild symptoms while others will have severe ones. Below is a list of the most commonly found characteristics identified among people with an ASD.
However, the following may occur at an early age:
- no babbling or pointing by age 1
- no single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2
- no response to name
- loss of language or social skills
- poor eye contact
- excessive lining up of toys or objects
- no smiling or social responsivenessAnd at a later ages:
- inability to make friends with peers
- absence or impairment of imaginative and social play
- stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language
- restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus
- preoccupation with certain objects or subjects
- inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals
What causes Autism?
General consensus among the medical and scientific community says that no true cure has yet been discovered for autism. On the other hand, many children who, having been diagnosed on the autism spectrum at a young age, later “outgrow” their diagnosis. Some writers and researchers claim that children with autism can be “recovered” (another term for cured) through specific biomedical treatments including special diets, supplements and other alternative methods. The question of whether and how these children were cured, however, is still open.
Is there a cure?
The general consensus among the medical and scientific community says that no true cure has been discovered for autism. However, many children who, having been diagnosed on the autism spectrum at a young age, can later “outgrow” their diagnosis. Some writers and researchers claim that children with autism can be “recovered” (cured) through specific biomedical treatments including special diets, supplements and other alternative methods. The question of whether and how these children were cured, however, is still open. So although there are promising avenues opening up for a possible cure for autism, as it stands today there is no cure.
How Stepping Out can help with autism care:
Stepping Out have the facilities and staff to care for anybody suffering with Autism. Our staff are both experienced and qualified to handle such cases. Stepping Out are able to provide home care, helping with daily tasks which an Autism sufferer may find difficult.
Or, in extreme cases where the sufferer needs full-time support, Stepping Out provide their own 24-hour staffed housing accommodation, which are primarily based in north London and Hertfordshire. If you would more information on autism care, contact Stepping Out.