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Autism is a life-long, pervasive
developmental disability that
affects an individual’s
understanding and interpretation of
the world around them.
This leads to communication, social
relationship, behaviour and sensory
problems. A person’s ability to
process information through all the
senses is severely impaired.
Autism is the second most common
developmental disability, and is
more common than childhood cancer,
cystic fibrosis, and multiple
sclerosis combined.
1 in 160 Australian children aged
between 6 and 12 years have a
diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum,
with ASD being 4 times more
prevalent in males than females.
The cause of Autism is unknown.
There is no cure for autism though
changes in ability and behaviour
occur over time, and some
individuals show remarkable
improvement throughout their lives.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or
social boundaries, and family
income, lifestyle, and educational
levels do not affect the chance of
the disorder’s occurrence.
Children with ASD feel different
every day of their lives as a result
of deficits in communication and
social skills, information
processing and adapting to their
environment.
Acceptance by others is central to
opening children up to their
creative potential, and this can
only be achieved by raising
awareness.
Many people with ASD are, or
have the potential to be, "the
bright threads in the rich tapestry
of life", whilst others are quiet
achievers in their own particular
ways.
Some
live in a world of their own,
whilst others try very hard to live
in our world
but
in their own way.
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