It results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.
\nThe eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2015. Every year, autism organisations around the world celebrate the day with unique fund-raising and awareness-raising events.
\nFirst and foremost, we now know that there is no one cause of autism, just as there is no one type of autism.
\nOver the past few years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism.
\nA small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves, while most cases appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
\nEach individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills.
\nAbout 40 per cent have average to above average intellectual abilities.
\nOthers with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently.
\nAbout 25 per cent of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are nonverbal, but can learn to communicate using other means.
\nFor some, this means the development and delivery of more effective treatments that can address significant challenges in communication and physical health. For others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and support.
\nThe most significant symptom of ASD is impaired social interaction.
\nAs early as infancy, a baby with ASD may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others, for long periods of time.
\nA child with ASD may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement.
\nHealth care providers will often use a questionnaire or other screening instrument to gather information about a child\u2019s development and behaviour.
\nSome screening instruments rely solely on parent observations, while others rely on a combination of parent and doctor observations. For many children, symptoms improve with treatment and with age.
\n* Information obtained from www.autismspeaks.org<\/p>\n