What is Autism?

What is Autism?
 Bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3
 Impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas (social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function).
 Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous co-morbid medical conditions which may include: allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, and more
 Autism itself does not affect life expectancy. Research has shown that the mortality risk among individuals with autism is twice as high as the general population, in large part due to drowning and other accidents.
 Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved.

 

Autism Facts

 Individuals typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities
 Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls
 Autism greatly varies from person to person (no two people with autism are alike)
 The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last twenty years

 Children with autism do progress – early intervention is key
 Autism is treatable, not a hopeless condition
 Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet most underfunded
 A 2008 Danish Study found that the mortality risk among those with autism was nearly twice that of the general population

Autism- Comorbid Condition

Consist of Fragile X, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bowel disease, gastrointestinal/digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, PANDAS, feeding disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, immune disorders, autoimmune disorders, and neuroinflammation.

Autism Fact Sheet