How are people with autism different from other people?

How are people with autism different from other people?

For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for their neurotypical peers. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person. Just as importantly, people with autism rarely judge other people with disabilities.

Can a child with autism be passed on to another child?

But if you were diagnosed with it before, this will stay as your diagnosis. Nobody knows what causes autism, or if it has a cause. It can affect people in the same family. So it may sometimes be passed on to a child by their parents. Some autistic people have average or above average intelligence. Some autistic people have a learning disability.

Are there any upsides to being on the autism spectrum?

Yes, many things are challenging for people on the spectrum and the people who love them, but for every downside to autism, there seems to be an upside too. People with autism have uniquely positive traits that are rare or even nonexistent among neurotypical individuals.

How does Autism affect people on the spectrum?

On the playground, for instance, autistic children tend to operate on the periphery. And for many, it is a dismal experience. “They weren’t rejected; they were ignored,” Kasari says. Autistic children also might not be able to find the children they know in the crowd.

For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for their neurotypical peers. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person. Just as importantly, people with autism rarely judge other people with disabilities.

What happens to people with autism as they grow up?

If you mention autism to most people they will think about children, but it is a lifelong diagnosis. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. Little is known about how the symptoms change with age.

What are the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorder?

Certain known genetic disorders are associated with an increased risk for autism, including Fragile X syndrome (which causes intellectual disability) and tuberous sclerosis (which causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and other vital organs) — each of which results from a mutation in a single, but different, gene.

How are people with autism spectrum disorder social?

Many people with ASD find social interactions difficult. The mutual give-and-take nature of typical communication and interaction is often particularly challenging. Children with ASD may fail to respond to their names, avoid eye contact with other people, and only interact with others to achieve specific goals.