This is a list of ailments and conditions that may affect you or your family at certain stages of life. Here you will find information such as the symptoms, and the best way to relieve the situation until a medical professional has been called.
Autism is a developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates with and relates to people around them. It is not a physical disability, so others often assume that the child is being naughty or that the parents cannot control him or her.
Children with autism usually have difficulty:
Making friends and communicating with people
Understanding the meanings of gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice
Developing imaginative play
Adapting to changes in routine
It is still not clear what causes autism, but research shows that genetic factors are important. Autism is also associated with conditions affecting brain development which occur before, during, or very soon after birth.
The earlier that autism is diagnosed, the better the chances are of a child receiving appropriate help and support. There is a simple test called CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) that your GP or health visitor can use at 18 months to see if your child has any development problems.
Autism is a lifelong disability, but specialist education and structured support can really make a difference to the life of a person with autism, helping to maximise skills and achieve full potential in adulthood.
With the festive season almost upon us, we'd like to know what best describes your attitude towards spending this Christmas? (Please select one option only)
