Have you noticed how some kids act differently nowadays? Differently in the sense that they would not smile like other kids would when you say hello.
Do not be alarmed if they do not seem to respond.
It doesn't mean they are ignoring you but it's because these kids are simply autistic.
We call these children "special.
" With rising cases of these "special" kids, let's explain what exactly autism is and why everyone should be aware of it.
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder.
In a child with autism there are disturbances in his or her interactions with other people.
The child is unresponsive to touch and affection and becomes violent when touched without permission.
The autistic child has difficulty in making eye contact with the person talking to them.
Aside from disturbances in social interaction, the child has difficulties in expressing his desires.
An autistic child uses an incorrect grammatical structure and even repeats words over and over again.
They have stereotyped behaviors and repeat certain actions such as flapping their hands or hitting their head when they try to say something.
Autistic children experience the world in a different way than most kids their age.
These "special" children typically can't communicate without special help, thus they keep to themselves.
Autism in children tends to make them act in an unusual manner.
They have an attachment to only one toy and they stick to a routine or schedule.
They do not like anything in their environment to be disarranged and kids with autism react violently if they see an object or item in the house "disturbed" from its original position.
So what exactly causes autism? Up to now, doctors have difficulty in trying to find the exact cause of autism.
Since autism has been said to affect the brain it would be difficult because the human mind is a complex structure.
Finding the cause would be like looking for a needle in the haystack.
So the answer in regards to autism is mainly support.
1 out of 150 children have autism and many parents are not even aware that their kids have it.
So what do you do if you find out your kid has autism? Since there is still no cure for it, doctors and therapists are present to aid your child in adjusting.
There are special education schools as well that help your child in communicating with children of the same condition.
Some therapists aid children with autism in communicating firsthand using either sign language or pictures.
Learning communication helps children with autism learn other things faster.
Proper communication is not only what is taught to the child but proper social skills as well.
Skills such as greeting people, following directions, and waiting his or her own turn are taught by the therapist to the child.
These should also be continued at home with the child's parents and siblings.
Occupational therapists are also needed to aid children in controlling temper tantrums.
Children diagnosed with mild autism may have the option of attending a regular school but it would be better for children with autism to adapt to a more calm surrounding which a SPED school can offer.
There are cases where kids with autism who have undergone treatment early live a normal life as an adult.
However, some kids with severe autism need continuous care and support that must be given not only by their doctors and therapists but by their families as well.
Now autism would no longer be a question in your mind and hopefully in the future you'll be a supportive hand in the development of these "special" children's growth.