What is Autism?

What is Autism? Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that affects the development of the brain.



Each individual that has Autism is affected differently then the next person who has the same disorder. Typically, those who are affected will have difficulties in communication and social situations.

Studies have indicated that as many as 50% of Autistics are non-verbal. To help understand better what is Autism, it should be noted that there are five disorders that are listed under the term, pervasive developmental disorder: Autistic disorder, Asperger’s, Childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD-nos (Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified) and Rett’s.

There is tremendous confusion with the terms used to describe the disorder. Doctors will often use the term Autism Spectrum Disorder in the initial diagnosis as further evaluations will lead to a more conclusive diagnosis.

Typically, those with Aspergers will have a full vocabulary along with an average to above average IQ. Individuals with the Autistic Disorder will in general have a harder time with vocabulary.

A very common myth is that individuals with the Autistic Disorder are not affectionate. Autistic children, for example, may not understand why other children will hug their parents. They love their parents but socially, they can’t find the appropriate way to communicate those feelings. It’s almost like living in a foreign country with no way of communicating, not fully understanding the traditions and appropriate behaviors required.

Karen Simmons, a mother of an Autistic child, runs a website that is called Autism Today which has everything from books, videos and all the conferences of leading experts such as Tony Attwood and Dr. Temple Grandin. She has taken a new approach in writing a book entitled "Little Rainman: Autism through the eyes of a child". The book contains illustrations of quality by the Autistic artist, Rob Woodbury.

You can visit Karen’s site and find her book on how she helps her son understand what is Autism .

Karen Simmons is a strong woman who has faced the Autistic Disorder head on with her son Jonathon. Hospitals and Autism societies are recognizing her website as one of the leading sites for Autism resources.

Below is a list of other articles on Autism.

Autism Symptoms

Autism Causes

Autism Symptoms Checklist

Autistic Weight Blanket

Autistic Potty Training