What is autism?

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication with unusual, repetitive or severely limited activities and interests. Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

What are some common signs of autism?

There are three distinctive behaviors that characterize autism. People with autism have difficulty with social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests.

Impaired social interaction

The hallmark feature of autism is impaired social interaction. People with autism may:

• Fail to respond to their name and often avoid eye contact with other people.
• Have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling because they can’t understand social cues, such as tone of voice or facial expressions.
• Not watch other people’s faces for clues about appropriate behavior.
• Lack empathy.

Repetitive behaviors & play differences

People with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and twirling or self-abusive behavior such as biting or head banging. They don’t know how to play interactively with other people.

Some speak in a sing-song voice about a narrow range of favorite topics with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking.

Sensory differences

• They have a reduced sensitivity to pain.
• They are abnormally sensitive to sound, touch or other sensory stimulation.
• People with autism may resist being cuddled or hugged.

What causes autism?

Scientists aren’t certain what causes autism but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role. There is no cure for autism.

How can I be a better friend to someone with autism?

• State your thoughts clearly. People with autism sometimes miss subtle statements.
• You can be kind and direct at the same time.
• People with autism prefer activities with one or two people they know well.
• They can say things more directly than a person without autism might prefer. Understand that they have no intention of being insulting.
• Don’t speak slowly or shout at someone with autism. Their hearing is fine but their brain has problems processing the input in some situations.
• They can’t look you in the eye most of the time so don’t try to make them do so.
• Please don’t be embarrassed by their repetitive behavior in public. This is their way of coping with a strange world. Just know that this is the way they are.