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| Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates
to people around him. Children and adults with autism
are unable to relate to others in a meaningful way. Their ability
to develop friendship is impaired as is their capacity to understand
other people's feelings. People with autism can often have accompanying
learning disabilities but everyone with the condition shares
a difficulty in making sense of the world. |
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| All people with autism have impairments in social
interaction (difficulty with social relationships)
social communication
(difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication)
and imagination
(difficulty in the development of play and imagination).
In addition, repetitive behavior patterns are a notable feature
as is a resistance to change in routine. |
| What causes autism? |
| The exact cause or causes of autism
is/are still not known but research shows that genetic factors
are important. It is also evident from research that autism
may be associated with a variety of conditions affecting brain
development which occurs before, during or very soon after birth.
|
| Incidence of Autism? |
| The current rates of autism
that are quoted in the U.S.A. and
the U.K. are 1 child
in every 150. Some places in California
even quote a higher rate |
| Autism is India |
In India, even if we take a conservative measure
of 1 child in 250 - we still have
a staggering population of 40 lakhs that is affected by autism.
Autism occurs in all parts of
India, irrespective of background, religion or class.
The sad part is that the majority of people in India who have
autism have not been diagnosed
and they do not receive the services that they require. |
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