Children in the autism spectrum

Autism is not a disease. It is a lifelong condition which one must learn to live with. Autism has been coined by Dr. Leo Kanner, from the word "autos" which means self. A child with autism experiences the world differently from the way most other children do. He/she has great trouble in making sense of the world.

Children in the autism spectrum have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. They have trouble linking words to their meanings and also find it difficult to express themselves. They may be aloof, keep to themselves and engage in repetitive activities and movements. Any changes in the child's environment or daily routine could make them upset. They also have unusual responses to sensory experiences. Normal sounds may bother them terribly; a gentle touch may make them uncomfortable; certain objects/colours may attract them so much so that they are not able to take their eyes off it etc. All these signs can be detected before the child is 3 years old.