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Autism Diagnoses on
the Rise
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What Is Autism?
Definition
Autism is a disorder that reduces a child's ability to communicate and develop relationships. Autism is often labeled a "spectrum disorder," in that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disease are four related disorders that, along with autism, are grouped together as autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Symptoms
Children with autism generally have difficulty with both verbal and non-verbal communication. Autistic children often have restricted interests and repeat certain behaviors. Symptoms of autism can include:
- Repetitive play for extended periods
- Avoidance of eye
contact
- A
preference for being alone
- Difficulty in expressing needs
- Inappropriate
laughter or tantrums
- Insistence on routine
- Unusual attachment to objects
Treatment
There is no known cure for autism, but symptoms can become less severe in later childhood, and early diagnosis and intervention can lead to improved outcomes.
Despite the growth across California in students diagnosed with autism,
only about 6 percent of students in public schools
are enrolled in special
education
because of autism. Learning disabilities
and speech/language
impairments still account for the largest share of
enrollments in special
education.