Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that both adults and children with autism can exhibit any possible combination of symptoms in varying degrees of severity. Many of these symptoms are believed to be caused by neurological problems that lead to issues with sensory integration. For neurologically typical people, the various senses combine to form the experience of performing an action. However, in an autistic child, the senses have trouble interacting and combining, which often results in unpleasant sensations. For example, autistic children often find the feeling of certain fabrics extremely uncomfortable and don’t want to be touched or hugged.
Contrary to popular belief, children with autism are able to make eye contact and develop good language and communication skills. However, they may need to communicate using alternative methods such as sign language or pictures. Although autism can not be cured or outgrown, symptoms may lessen
with age as autistic children develop neurologically and undergo treatment. Another myth surrounding autism is that autistic children can not show love or affection. Although autistic children sometimes do not like being touched or hugged, they can show affection in other ways. However, it may require understanding from parents and friends to accept love in the way the autistic child can show it. Most people do not realize how common and universal autism is. Autism affects about 1 in every 150 American children, including 1 in every 94 boys
(www.autism-society.org). It can affect people of any race, intelligence level, and economic status. The belief that bad parenting causes autism is also apocryphal
(abcnews.go.com).