Let’s Talk About
Try to imagine what it would be like if you couldn’t talk. How would you tell a teacher or your parents that you needed to use the bathroom? What if your stomach was upset, or you had a headache?
This is what many kids who have autism (Ah-tiz-um) struggle with every day. Even kids with autism who can talk may have a difficult time saying what they’re thinking.
Today, 1 out of every 44 children in the United States is diagnosed as autistic. Boys are much more likely to have autism than girls. This week, The Mini Page recognizes Autism Awareness Month, coming up in April, and learns more about kids living with the disorder.
What is autism?
Autism is a disability in the brain that affects how certain skills develop. For instance, people with autism may have trouble communicating with other people. They may not understand the way others interact with each other, such as with body language or jokes.
People with autism can be overly sensitive to certain stimuli (Stim-yoo-lie), such as noises or touch.
Autistic kids can have physical problems, too, such as seizures and allergies. They may have trouble digesting food or sleeping. Scientists and doctors are not sure what causes the disorder, but experts are sure that it is not caused by vaccinations.
The disorder affects everyone differently. Some people with autism can speak very well; others don’t speak at all. Some can focus on one or two favorite subjects but can’t concentrate on anything else.
Researchers are working to discover not only the cause, but also better ways to treat autism and help people live with it.
At school
Autistic kids can learn, but they may need to be taught in different ways. For example, a teacher or therapist may break a lesson down into small steps and start with pictures instead of words.
Students with autism might get help from therapists with speech or gross motor skills such as balance, jumping and running. Others need help understanding their sensitivity to light or noise, or learning to use a pencil.
Newer technologies, such as tablets, help to make autistic kids’ lives more manageable.