What is Autism?

Autism refers to the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is a complex developmental disorder that affects approximately 1 in 59 people according to CDC. Autism affects how a person behaves and communicates with the people around them and with their surroundings. Autistic individuals have difficulties in communication, language development and social skills with restricted, repetitive behaviours. Each individual with autism is part of a ‘spectrum’. People that are affected more by autism are higher on the spectrum and need more assistance with everyday activities and people lower on the spectrum are more independent.

People that suffer from autism show several behaviour patterns that include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills’ and sensory sensitivities. Each person affected by autism shows different levels of these behaviour patterns and must undergo a formal evaluation to establish their level on the ASD spectrum and get the proper help they need.