Autism

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What is Autism? Autism is classified as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder affecting 1 in 110 children. Children with Autism have varying degrees of difficulty using and comprehending language, understanding how to interact with others or making friends, as well as playing and pretending. Autism is defined by symptoms appearing before the age of three, which reflect delayed or abnormal development in three areas: Behavioral Skills: Repetitively plays with objects in a specific way, or insists that things be done the same way or engages in self stimulatory actions such as hand flapping, staring at hands or fingers, or smelling things. Language Development: Doesn't understand or say many words, repeats things or uses the third person. Social Skills: Not interested in peers no imitative play, poor eye contact, doesn't respond when spoken to, doesn't show/point to objects. Did You Know? Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States Boys are four times more likely than girls to have Autism There is no medical detection or cure for Autism Siblings have a 2% to 4% probability of both having Autism Top of page Questions? Email Anderswe@uwec.edu Last updated April 13, 2010