Autism and Aspergers

General description
 
Autism is similar in cause to ADD in that the brain appears to be 'wired' differently. Autism is rare with less than five cases for every ten thousand. Aspergers, sometimes known as high level autism, is more common. Not all people with autism are affected severely, some have only marginal impairment.
 
The main effects are difficulties in three areas; socialising, communication and behaviour. People with autism are generally unable to use or interpret body language and tend to be very insular and uncommunicative. People with aspergers may well be too communicative but share the inability to 'read' social situations well. They may also be highly organised but tend to obsessive compulsive behaviours.
 
Common symptoms

• Inability to socialise
• Difficulty with communication, especially non verbal
• Extremely patterned behaviour
• Pronounced lack of interest in environment
• Inability to concentrate or take instruction
• Obsessive behaviour

Common treatments

• Speech Therapy
• Talking Treatments

General Advice
 
Try to establish and maintain clear 'social rules'.