Autism Spectrum Disorder / Asperger Syndrome
Autism is a brain-based developmental disorder that affects a person's
ability to communicate, be with other people, and engage in
developmentally appropriate behaviours.
Autism is a life-long developmental disorder, and as yet there
is no cure. Children do not "outgrow" autism but symptoms may lessen or
change as the child develops and receives educational interventions.
Research shows that autism can be caused by a variety of conditions
that affect brain development. These conditions may occur before,
during or after birth.
While the cause or combination of causes of autism is not
fully understood, some research suggests a biological problem affecting
those parts of the brain that process language and information from the
senses. Other research findings suggest that there may be an imbalance
of certain chemicals in the brain. Genetic factors may sometimes be
involved in certain families. In reality what we know is that autism
may develop from a combination of several 'causes'.
There is no suggestion that psychological or emotional factors in the environment of the child cause autism.
Autism is usually diagnosed within the first three years of life and is
four times more common in boys than in girls. However, certain types of
autism may not be diagnosed until a child enters primary school, where
the main presenting problems may be difficulty with social interaction
and anxiety.
To be given a diagnosis of autism, a person must present with a 'Triad' of clinical characteristics in the following areas:
- Social Impairment (social interaction)
- Communication Impairment (social communication)
- Impairment in Flexibility of Thinking (flexibility & imagination)
In
addition to the triad of behaviours that characterise autism, other
reasons for behaviours commonly associated with the disorder are:
- Cognitive learning style
- Sensory
- Medical
- Special interests
- Likes and dislikes
Source: http://www.autism.org.sg 
