Autism is a neurological disorder that has many symptoms .. primarily the symptoms center around difficulty with communication.
The Autism Spectrum:
It is important to note that Autism is a spectrum disorder. This means that people with autism
can have any combination of the disorder’s symptoms & and each of
those symptoms at any level of severity. One autistic individual can
be very different from another in terms of how the disorder is manifested
and how severe it is.
There are several wonderful places online to find detailed descriptions of the disorder
(see the LINKS page).
I am going to use this place to describe how the disorder has affected my son and family.
In the middle of writing this section I had to stop. I was composing this horrific image.
Severe autism is horrific and debilitating. I have no desire to sugar coat that.
Let me temper it by saying that I love my son dearly. Andrew is a gentle soul trying hard to survive in a world not constructed for him. He has taught me more than any teacher I have ever had.
Andrew’s Autism Manifests with the following symptoms:
Regression
Difficulty Communicating
Routine
Sensory Issues
Anxiety
Self Stimulation (Stimming)
Obsessive/Compulsive
Emotional, Behavioral & Aggression Issues
The Autism Spectrum:
It is important to note that Autism is a spectrum disorder. This means that people with autism
can have any combination of the disorder’s symptoms & and each of
those symptoms at any level of severity. One autistic individual can
be very different from another in terms of how the disorder is manifested
and how severe it is.
There are several wonderful places online to find detailed descriptions of the disorder
(see the LINKS page).
I am going to use this place to describe how the disorder has affected my son and family.
In the middle of writing this section I had to stop. I was composing this horrific image.
Severe autism is horrific and debilitating. I have no desire to sugar coat that.
Let me temper it by saying that I love my son dearly. Andrew is a gentle soul trying hard to survive in a world not constructed for him. He has taught me more than any teacher I have ever had.
Andrew’s Autism Manifests with the following symptoms:
Regression
Difficulty Communicating
Routine
Sensory Issues
Anxiety
Self Stimulation (Stimming)
Obsessive/Compulsive
Emotional, Behavioral & Aggression Issues
My Personal Opinion on Causes & Rates
Additional Thoughts (my own and articles that I have found meaningful):
Sticks & Stones .. on the word "retard" - August 27, 2005
For deep end families lack of hope can kill.
Low versus High Functioning Autism: Acknowledging the Difference
The Age of Autism: But What About 1930?
The Age of Autism: Autism and the Amish? Part 1
Drug Test (on the media coverage of the autism issue) from the Columbia Journalism Review
