Characteristics for Autism – Facts about Autism

Autism is the name given to a series of psychological and behavioral characteristics. Scientists define it a neural disorder that happens because nerve cells and their synapse have an altered connection. Yet, the causes of autism are not known. We hear about autism often these days, but only a few of us really know what it is and how it manifests. Ordinary people could misinterpret any abnormal activity of the child as autism, especially if it’s not a choleric one.

The absence of clear evidence on how and why it appears makes the treatment very difficult. There is no definite cure for autism. Therapies in special designed rooms are proven to be beneficial, as well as other experiments, but they do not cure autism, they only facilitate the relationship of autistic people to the rest of the world.

The emotions of autistic people

An autistic person can be either extremely sensitive to sound, touch, light, smell or tastes, or not sensitive at all. He can be very sensitive to pain or extremely tolerant to it. What trigger his crisis are usually sudden changes in the environment, like sudden loud sounds, sudden light or a sudden change in his routine. He develops many routines that make him function more comfortable. Sometimes, the routine is so complex and strict that the family triggers his crisis without even knowing that a change has taken place. For example, a change could mean the slippers aren’t exactly aligned, a toothbrush is missing from near the bathroom mirror, or the sound of a clock ticking is missing in the background. In these situations he becomes severely anxious, and starts throwing tantrum, screaming, crying. The level of anxiety can drop suddenly or in a long period of time. It always helps if he receives some objects that he feels comfortable with, like a blanket, a teddy or a rock. He manifests deep interest in things with mechanisms that he can observe:  rotating, brushing, things under pressure. He will always be fascinated by fish aquariums that he will watch for hours.

The language of autistic people

Depending on the gravity of the condition, the talking could be father or closer to normal talking. In any case, even the most light autism cases present abnormal rhythm of speaking.  Most of the autistic people would not understand directional words (in front, behind). They often repeat the names of the people they are talking to and, when listening, they make abnormal sounds.

The characteristics of autism don’t stop here. There are a series of social characteristics, behavioral and developmental ones.