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What is Autism

Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) are lifelong developmental disabilities that begin at birth or during the first three years of life.  Autism is often referred to as a spectrum disorder, meaning that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with a diagnosis of autism, can act very differently from one another.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate and relate to the outside world. They may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resist any changes in routines. They may act as deaf, have language difficulties, hyperactivity or extreme lack of activity, unusual responses to sensations and/or tantrums. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.

Over one half million people in the U.S. today have some form of autism. Its prevalence rate now places it as the third most common developmental disability - more common than Down's syndrome. Yet the majority of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields are still unaware of how autism affects people and how to work effectively with individuals with autism.

The Autism Awareness Ribbon

The puzzle pattern on this ribbon reflects the mystery and complexity of Autism. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of people and families living with this disorder. The brightness of the ribbon signals hope--hope through research and in the increasing awareness of people like you.

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Contact Information

Telephone
713.513.7575

Postal address
Greater Houston Chapter Autism Society of America
P. O. Box 2871
Houston, Texas  77252-2871

Electronic mail
General Information: ghcasapres@aol.com
Webmaster: Jacqueline L. Cruse-Harris -  jcruseharris@yahoo.com