| What is Autism? Autism is part of a larger group of | | | | whose characteristics can present themselves in a |
| disorders called Pervasive Developmental Disorders | | | | wide variety of combinations from mild to severe. |
| (PDD), also known as Autism Spectrum Disorders | | | | People use different terms to describe persons within |
| (ASD), and is a complex developmental disability that | | | | the spectrum, such as: autistic tendencies, high or |
| begins at birth or within the first two-and-a-half years | | | | low-functioning autism, or autism spectrum. |
| of life and affects the way a child sees and interacts | | | | Autism is currently the fastest growing developmental |
| with the rest of the world. It is a neurological disorder | | | | disability, with a 10% to 17% annual growth. Autism was |
| that affects the functioning of the brain in areas of | | | | added as a special education exceptionality in 1991 and |
| social interaction, communication, and causes | | | | is now the sixth most commonly classified disability in |
| development of unusual behaviors and interests. Many | | | | the United States and it is because of this that it is |
| children with Autism also have unordinary ways of | | | | important to make sure the individuals are being |
| learning, paying attention, or reacting to different | | | | identified and are receiving appropriate intervention |
| sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people | | | | services as early as possible. Cost of lifelong care can |
| with Autism can vary from gifted to severely | | | | be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and |
| challenged. | | | | intervention, and children can learn and function |
| Although the characteristics might be the same, each | | | | productively given the appropriate educational plan. |
| person is very unique. Autism is a spectrum disorder | | | | |