What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological (brain) dysfunction that affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of communication and social interaction. People with autism find it difficult to communicate with people and relate to the outside world. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means, it affects people differently and in varying degree of severity, from mild to severe. Hence it is called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). So no two people with autism may look the same. The behaviors each will show will depend on where they are on the spectrum.

Many people with autism may be hyper or hypo sensitive to the 5 senses (hearing, sight, touch, smell, and hearing). Many also like things to be the same so, consistent use of schedules work well for them. Many also like to be alone and may have unusual attachment/interests in certain objects.

People with autism can learn. Those on the mild side of the spectrum can go as far as to university with minimal support. Others on the severe side of the spectrum may be trained to do repetitive, menial tasks.

My daughter Teresa, working with her speech pathologist. Teresa, now 30, is the subject of my memoir titled, "My Box of Chocolates: How my child with autism learned to read, write and more.