 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Autism
is a life-long condition
with three main features
- referred to as the triad
of impairments-
|
|
- impaired social interaction - a lack
of instinctive understanding of the
feelings of others, leading to socially
inappropriate behaviour
|
- poor communication - very often there
is little or no speech, and such communication
as is possible can be out of context
and self-focused
|
- impaired imagination - leading to
a very restricted range of activity
and interests - with repetitive behaviours
|
 |
The
causes of autism remain unclear.
Genetic factors are important,
and autism may be associated with
a number of conditions which can
affect brain development before,
during, or soon after birth.
Autism produces a range of disabilities
- the autistic spectrum disorders
- and will often be associated
with learning disability. Asperger
Syndrome shares many of the features
of autism, but is not accompanied
by learning disability, indeed
people with the syndrome may
be of average or above average
intelligence.
|
|
Diagnosis
of autism early in childhood is
now recognised as extremely important
in enabling a range of treatment
and teaching techniques to be used
in the child’s development
through school age.
The
Kingwood Trust’s
particular role is in the pioneering
of
practice for young adults whose
condition
still does not permit them
a life in the community without
specialist
help, and whose behaviours
may have become both challenging
for
those caring for them, and
a
barrier to the own personal development.
|
|
|
|
