(Other names: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, childhood psychosis and pseudo defective psychosis)
What is Autism?
Autism, other wise known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that mostly occurs to children. Infantile autism was described for the first time by Leo Kanner in 1943 as ‘Autistic Disturbance of affective contact’.
Autism is one of five developmental disorders included under the umbrella of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders. In addition to autism, other disorders in this family are Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and when full criteria for one of the above disorders is not met, a child may be diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (often written as PDD-NOS). Autism is characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, and unusual and repetitive behaviour. Cognitive abilities in people with autism vary between those with average to above average intelligence, to borderline and mild mental retardation, and others who function within the moderate to profoundly mentally retarded range1
When does Autism occur?
Typically, autism occurs before the age of 21/2 years. The onset may also occur in later. Autism occurring before or after 21/2 years are not very different.
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I started young. From catching the frogs which entered our house during monsoons, to catching grasshoppers, dragonflies, fishes, and lizards, I did not waste any time and watched the national geographic channel like a madman. Austin steven most dangerous is still my favorite tv show. Hope I spelled it right.
Just as you go to a doctor for your general physical check-up, your mental health check-up is also an important aspect of your overall wellness. WHO defines Health as “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition states the biopsychosocial aspect of a person’s life. To be called a healthy person you must have a healthy physique, a sound mind and a well-balanced social life. If even one of the mentioned aspects is disturbed it will cause gradual mental and social instability. Mental health has to be given priority because even if you like it or not your mind gets tired and it needs adequate rest from thinking. Thus, some researches prove that Yoga, morning walks, meditation or prayer help you keep your mind calm and peaceful. Just as you give your body a break your mind will need time off from your busy schedule.
I was the youngest and the fourth child of our family. I don’t remember my parents teaching me the letters of the alphabet. As it happens in almost every home, I learned a lot when my parents taught my brothers and sister.
