About Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 110 children in the USA — and the numbers are rising. Autism affects a person's ability to communicate, form relationships with others and respond appropriately to their environment.
The signs of autism typically appear in the first three years of life. The disorder has no known cause or cure, though treatment can sometimes reduce the symptoms.
Autism manifests itself in individuals in different ways and intensities. Some people with autism are relatively high functioning, with full control of their speech and intelligence. Others are mentally retarded, mute or have serious language delays.
Autism makes some individuals close off and shut down. Others seem locked into repetitive behaviors and rigid patterns of thinking.
Adult Autism Characteristics
Adult autism is often characterized by:
- Inability to communicate effectively. Adults with autism use very literal language and lack any understanding of nuance. At times there is no language at all.
- Lack of social skills. Most adults with autism have no appreciation of codes of behavior, others' personal space or social boundaries.
- Ritual. Many adults with autism have highly ritualized behaviors. Routines become very important and rigid.
The above behaviors lead to an inability to make and keep friends, an inability to find and hold jobs, and an inability to express themselves.
This, in turn, leads to frustration, anxiety, withdrawal and depression.
Lifelong Training and Supervision
An estimated 60% of adults with autism need lifelong training, supervision and reinforcement of skills. Public schools' responsibility for providing these services ends when the autistic person is 21 years old.
The needs of autistic adults include:
- Speech/Communication programs. These may include computer language programs, sign language, icon/picture booklets and/or etiquette training.
- Assisted living arrangements. These include group homes, apartments with appropriate staffing and skilled support services.
- Nutritional guidance. Much of contemporary research shows links between what autistic children and adults eat, how they behave and how their brains take in their environment.
- Vocational training and job coaches to help autistic adults find and hold jobs so they may become productive members of society.
- Psychological therapy to help adults with autism deal with their anxieties, depression and frustrations.
