PACT  is a support group for families with children with autism.. There are better sites on the web to find out about autism (see our Favorite Links page and our Diagnosis: Autism page), but here is some general information about autism.  Most of the information on this page is a partial summary of general information about autism found a variety of Autism related websites.  

This information is general information about Autism and having or not having any of these symptoms does not indicate a diagnosis.  Trained professional should be consulted - but as parents your personal knowledge is critical to the proper support of your child.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears in the first three years of life.  This neurological disorder appears in as many as 1 in 150 children.  Four times as many boys as girls have autism.  

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.  Autism is a spectrum disorder and includes the following: 

  1. Autism

  2. Pervasive Development Disorder Not otherwise Specified (PPD/NOS)

  3. Aspergers Syndrome

  4. Rett's Syndrome

  5. Laundau Kleffner Syndrome

  6. Fragile X Syndrome

Common Areas affected: 

  1. Communications - Language develops late or not at all; may use words without attaching the usual meaning to them, uses gestures or sounds instead of words. 

  2. Social Interaction - Shows little interest in others or making friends, little or no eye contact.

  3. Sensory Impairment - May be sensitive to light, sounds, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

  4. Play- lack of spontaneous or imaginative play, does not imitate others.

  5. Behavior - Wide range of possibilities from very passive to having tantrums for no apparent reason, may exhibit compulsive behaviors, no concept of danger, may exhibit aggression to others or self, does not handle change well.

The following is a checklist of common traits (not comprehensive)

  1. Insistence on sameness, resists change

  2. Severe language deficit

  3. Difficulty in expression

  4. Repeating of words and phrases - Echolalia

  5. Exhibits inappropriate emotions for no reason

  6. Prefers to be alone

  7. May not want to be cuddled

  8. Little or no eye contact

  9. Unresponsive to normal teaching methods

  10. Sustained odd play

  11. Spins self, flaps hands, spins objects, watches objects move 

  12. Inappropriate attachment to objects

  13. Over sensitivity or under sensitivity to pain

  14. No fear of dangers

  15. Noticeable over or under physical activity

  16. Appears to have hearing problems yet hearing tests in the normal range

  17. Uneven gross/fine motor skills

There are many common myths of autism because each child is different from the next, and often with multiple developmental issues.  Common myths include:

  1. Children with autism never make eye contact - some do make eye contact, and some make eye contact after working  for years to learn to make eye contact.

  2. Inside a child with autism is a genius - children with autism have a wide range of IQ scores and splinter skills.  However, a child that may remember the birthday of every child in their class may not remember their names.

  3. Children with autism can't show affection - this is difficult for most children with autism, but not always true.  Bonds and affection can be achieved in many cases but it takes work, time, and patience.

  4. Progress means a child does not have autism - False.  Progress means hard work, love, and support is paying off.

  5. Affection and smiling at you means a child does not have autism - False. All children are different and with time, work, and love many that don't show affection will learn to show affection. 

  6. Autism can be outgrown - False.  It can be treated and children and adults with autism can lead productive and happy lives - and so can their families.

  7. Bad parenting causes autism - False

  8. Children with autism cannot learn - False.  But often the key is figuring out how they learn and teaching them appropriately.  Each child is different.

  9. Autism is rare - False.  About 1 in 500 have an Autism Spectrum Disorder- not so rare!

  10. People with autism can talk if they want to - False

This information is just some of the detailed and often contradictory information about autism available on the WEB.  Each child is different with different needs and problems.  Some common characteristics exist - but the most import fact is children with autism can be reached and taught with hard work, time, and support.  The more you know as parents - the more you can help your child.

  Revised: May 19, 2008