Autism

Autism is a disorder that primarily impacts a person’s social and communication skills. It is usually diagnosed in toddlers by the time they reach three years old, and can occur in various degrees and with various symptoms in every person. Typical symptoms of the disorder include difficulty interacting with others, not making eye contact, not responding to one’s name, lack of awareness regarding other people’s feelings, and sometimes a resistance to be touched or closely held. An autistic patient may also develop very specific routines that they follow compulsively, may appear to be constantly in motion, such as rocking back and forth, and may be unable to start or carry on a conversation. While certain genes have been identified as being related to autism, causes of the disorder are still debated. Autism can’t be cured but can be treated, and early medical intervention can make a tremendous difference in the trajectory of an autistic patient’s path going forward.