An Introduction to Autism Tyldesley

People who appear to lag behind in social skills and communication are often said to exist in a world of their own. Commonly, it is a world defined and governed by the limits and deficiencies imposed by the condition known as autism.

The impression created by a person who consistently exhibits an air of aloofness and indifference to everyone and everything around them is almost always a negative one. This should not come as a surprise, considering how normal human behaviour usually does not exhibit these characteristics. What everyone needs to understand, however, is that people who display such symptoms are very often afflicted with a mental disorder, which makes learning and interacting quite difficult. This disorder is known as autism.

A person with autism usually displays symptoms at a relatively early age, just at a time when they are about to make a significant step forward as far as socialising is concerned. The period of their lives just prior to starting school;[ when a child is around three or four] is crucial in determining whether autism is present. From that point, it develops steadily without any possible cure for the disorder, well into adulthood.

In the case of autism, using the proper means to gauge the presence of the disorder is very important. Three immediate areas can help in determining its presence and defining its extent, effective communication, developing and nurturing social relationships and the capacity for creativity. Whenever any, or all three are exhibiting impairment, the presence of autism is highly probable. There are other symptoms as well, like conspicuously repetitive behaviour and a very limited range of interests.

It is often the case that autistic individuals are not understood by their peers; effectively building a wall that isolates the two groups. Autistic people are almost always anxious and troubled about something and most of the time they lack the resolve to make choices for themselves.

Another characteristic of autistic individuals, which often results in much misunderstanding, is their extreme sensibility. Sensations that are normal to other people may bother autistics tremendously. Any one of their senses is liable to be a cause of discomfort. Noise is particularly troublesome for sufferers, as well as excessive light or the touch of other people or objects. Such stressful situations may lead to unfortunate displays like screaming, hiding and in some extreme cases, self-harm.

As there is no known cure for the disorder, the best way to deal with it is through treatment. Because autism has no single symptom, but rather a group of them, multiple treatments are often necessary. Such treatment can also help in determining the one that best suits the condition of a particular individual; what works for one might not work for another.

Perhaps there is no substitute for simply understanding an individual. The level of autism may vary, but the benefits of truly knowing their needs are immeasurable. To achieve this, anyone caring for an individual with autism must share in the world of his or her making.