What is it?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. Patients often demonstrate restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior patterns or interests.
What are the symptoms?
- Autism symptoms typically become clearly evident during early childhood, between 24 months and 6 years of age. Symptoms include a marked delay in language and cognitive development. There may be signs of obsessive and/or antisocial behavior.
- Asperger syndrome, another PDD, may be referred to as “high functioning autism.” Asperger syndrome usually lacks the primary communication and cognitive problems that characterize classic autism.
- Autism symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people may be considered autistic but manage to function in society without many setbacks. For others, the condition can have a substantial impact on their lives.
What to expect?
In addition to treatment by your doctor or psychologist you can try the following things:
- Maintaining a normal rhythm by going to sleep at normal times and getting out of bed early in the morning.
- Try to keep doing your normal daily activities.
- Try to avoid using recreational drugs and alcohol.