What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disorder that develops during childhood generally by age 3. It is neurologically based, which means that the person's brain functions differently. Some children qualify for help at school if the characteristics of their autism affect how well they do in school.

There is nothing wrong with having autism. Autism is just a different way of thinking and approaching the world. People with autism are all very different. People with autism can learn, and they often are just as smart, if not smarter, than the average person. Getting help as soon as possible is the key to helping your child and your family.

What Does Autism Look Like?

People who have not met children or adults who have autism spectrum disorders might think that people with autism are all alike. They might picture someone who does not respond, sits in a corner and rocks, or flaps his hands over and over. It is true that some people with autism behave in this way, but many do not. Some children are capable of sitting and working, talking and listening, and engaging in interaction with others. This can be confusing because you usually cannot tell that someone has autism simply by looking at them. There is an entire rainbow of different types of people with autism with different levels of intelligence, creativity, social skills, behaviors, and ways of communicating. This is why autism is called a “spectrum” disorder.