What Is Autism?
Autism is a "disability" that has many faces. In fact, there are no two cases of autism exactly alike so effective treatment has to be individualized. Autism is NOT a guarantor for low intelligence, there are a number of Autistics with an IQ much higher than the majority of the population. Autism is more a communication disruption/impairment than anything else. Autism is often noticed as mind-blindness (seeming unaware of what others think or mean), single-mindedness (attention and interests in a very narrow range), or interpreting things literally. Often the autistic mind thinks likes more like a science text book than like a popular novel.

What Are The Symptoms Of Autism?
1. Difficulty with basic social interaction.
2. Impaired/nonexistent verbal and nonverbal communication.
3. Repetitive behaviors or rituals and/or narrow, highly focused, obsessive interests.

What Should You Look For When Identifying The Condition?
1. Impaired ability to socialize or make friends with peers.
2. Impaired ability to begin or hold a conversation with others.
3. Absence or impairment of typical imaginative and social play.
4. Stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language or tone of voice.
5. Limited patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus.
6. Preoccupation with certain objects or subjects which can sometimes lead to expertise.
7. Inflexible routines or rituals .

Where Can You Go For Diagnosis?
Diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary assessment team which may include some or all of the following professionals : developmental pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech/language therapist, and social Worker.

What Are Some Of The Common Treatments?
1. Behavioral and communication therapies address the range of social, language and behavioral difficulties associated with autism. Programs focus on reducing problem behaviors, teaching new skills, teaching children how to act in social situations or how to communicate better with other people.
2. Facilitated communication makes use of computers and typing for some Autistics who never developed speaking skills. Since the introduction of this treatment aid, many people who were once believed to be retarded have proved to be quite the opposite.
3. Complementary approaches such as art therapy, music therapy, special diets, vitamin and mineral supplements, and sensory integration focuses on reducing

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