Autism Fact Sheets
What is Autism?
Autism is a brain disorder that begins in early childhood and persists throughout adulthood; and affects three crucial areas of development: communication, social interaction and creative or imaginative play. Children and adults with autism typically have deficiencies in verbal and non-verbal communication and social interactions.
What Is An Autistic Spectrum Disorder?
An autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates in relation to people around them. The term autistic spectrum is often used because the condition varies from person to person; some people with the condition may also have accompanying learning disabilities, while others are much more able with average or above average intelligence. Asperger’s Disorder is a condition at the more able end of the spectrum. Also on the spectrum is Kanner’s Disorder, sometimes referred to as “classic autism”.
What Is The Difference Between Autism And Asperger’s Disorder?
Autism and Asperger’s Disorder are all part of the same autistic continuum and the differences between them relate more to degree than anything else. However, people at the more able end of the autistic spectrum, such as those with Asperger’s Disorder, tend to have average or above average intelligence and generally have fewer problems with language, often speaking fluently, though their words can sometimes sound formal or stilted.
What Is The Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
The incidence of autism has risen dramatically in recent years. It is estimated that one in 100 Australians are known to have the condition which is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autistic Spectrum Disorder is ten times more common that Cystic fibrosis and Muscular dystrophy combined, and more common than Multiple Sclerosis, Downs Syndrome and Childhood Cancer. (Autism Council of Australia, 2004)
Did you know?
- 100,000 Australian children are directly affected by Autism.
- Each working day, 10 Australian families find out their child has Autism.
- Autism is a life-long clinical disorder that can be profoundly disabling especially when untreated.
- Treatment in the form of autism-specific intensive early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism, but in Australia such treatment is often difficult or impossible to access.
