AUTISM
Autism
is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication,
and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is
three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder autism spectrum
disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome. Autism
is highly heritable, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is generally
unclear which genes are responsible.In rare cases, autism is strongly associated
with agents that cause birth defects.Other proposed causes, such as childhood
vaccines, are controversial and the vaccine hypotheses lack convincing scientific
evidence. Most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of one to two cases per
1,000 people for autism, and about six per 1,000 for ASD, with ASD averaging
a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. The number of people known to have autism has
increased dramatically since the 1980s, at least partly due to changes in diagnostic
practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.
Autism affects
many parts of the brain; how this occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually
notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. Early behavioral
or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication
skills. There is no cure.Few children with autism live independently after reaching
adulthood, but some become successful,and an autistic culture has developed,
with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is a condition rather
than a disorder.(1)
source
(1) wikipedia
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