What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological disorder that causes sensory processing difficulties, social skills deficits, and executive dysfunction. It is currently diagnosed by observable behaviours. Since various other types of problems, such as gastro-intestinal problems and genetic abnormalities can cause some of these same behaviours, it is important to determine just wha the causes are. Some children who are diagnosed with autism actually have other things going on; once their medical needs are appropriately dealt with, their autistic behaviours disappear.
No two autistic individuals are quite the same. They can have different reasons for the same behaviours.
Site Purpose
This site has three purposes:
- To promote awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the general community;
- To provide support to anyone who deals with Autism Spectrum Disorders on a regular basis; and
- To help begin or further the development of appropriate services for individuals affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Awareness
This section of the site serves to:
- Clarify common misconceptions about autism;
- Promote awareness of the need for acceptance of autistic people; and
- Promote awareness of the need for appropriate support for autistic people.
Support
This section of the site serves to:
- Provide support for families with autistic members (and their friends):
- What to do;
- What not to do;
- Resources for family and friends; and
- Tutorials on how to implement some communication systems and other basic techniques.
- Provide support for professionals in the field of autism care:
- Provision of appropriate services;
- How to support parents; and
- Resources specifically for professionals.
- Provide support for individuals on the spectrum:
- Self-advocacy and getting the kinds of supports/services you actually require;
- How to decide whether or not you need a diagnosis (and how to get assessed if you decide you do); and
- Resources specifically for autistic people (or those who suspect they may be autistic).
Development
This section of the site serves to:
- Evaluate current treatments;
- Evaluate current advocacy organisations; and
- Provide a list of changes that need to be made or are currently in progress in different parts of the world.
