Autism

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Autism is a life-long developmental disability defined by a collection of characteristics. Symptoms of autism include difficulty with verbal and/or nonverbal communications, rigidity in thought processes and routine, and inability to interact normally in social situations. A hallmark of significant autism is that it is usually apparent in the first 36 months of life; in high-functioning cases, symptoms may materialize later. Signs of autism in infants include:

• Impaired language development
• Appears indifferent to surroundings
• Appears to be content to be alone, to play alone
• Displays lack of interest in toys
• Displays lack of response to others
• Resists cuddling or being held

Symptoms which can develop later, and appear in young children or adolescents are a bit different. Problems may increase in adolescence and abate in severity as the person matures into adulthood. These symptoms are:

• Frequent behavioral outbursts or tantrums
• Inappropriate attachment to objects
• Maintains little or no eye contact
• Uneven motor skills or clumsiness
• Sustained abnormal play
• Over or under sensitivity to pain
  www.neurologychannel.com/autism/symptoms.shtml

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