Some Facts about Autism

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Autism, according to child psychologist LeoA child with autism usually appears aloof and
Kanner, is a disorder present at birth or soonindifferent to the people around him. Socializing
after birth characterized by withdrawal fromwith other people does not come easy for an
reality. Here are some facts about the possibleautistic child. There is great difficulty in either
causes of child autism...verbal or non-verbal communication. Consequently,
Autism is one of the mental and behavioralthe child refuses to play with other kids, and
disorders classified under the Pervasivewould rather play alone. One of the major
Developmental Disorders or PDD. This is a groupsymptoms of autism is the inability of the child to
of disorders characterized by severe andmake eye contact with other people.
pervasive abnormalities in social-interaction skills,However, it is difficult to diagnose a child below 2
presence of stereotyped behavior, interest,years old.
activities or lack of imaginative play.The causes of autism are the following:
What is Autism?1. Between 1940 to 1960, psychiatrists believed
Autism, according to child psychologist Leothat mothers were primarily the cause of this
Kanner, is a disorder present at birth or soondisorder. They believed that it happens in children
after birth characterized by withdrawal fromwith “refrigerator parents” who are cold,
reality. This developmental disorder can usually bealoof and indifferent to their children.
diagnosed when the child is about 2 years of age.2. Now, it has been studied and agreed to by the
Generally, a child at this age should demonstrateexperts that the cause of autism is multifactorial.
an interest in others, communicate verbally, andThese factors include: genetic or chromosomal
possess ability to learn from the environmentabnormality, viral agents, metabolic disorders,
while an autistic child couldn’t manifestimmune intolerance and perinatal anoxia.
them. This disorder is more common in boys than