There's been a lot in the media lately about autism, a disease that strikes one in 150 children in the United States. The Bee's Vision section last Sunday discussed issues surrounding autism. This story offered readers a guide to autism, and this story discussed the mysteries surrounding autism.
This is from the autism stories:
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects kids in different ways, at different levels of severity, regarding their ability to communicate, process thoughts and interact socially. Because there's nothing abnormal about the physical appearance of a child with autism, and because kids develop at different rates, the disorder can be difficult to recognize.
The National Autism Association offers helpful information at its Web site, which is here.
I think it really helps for parents to know things to look for. There are so many people that don't recognize that something could be amiss because our society is just so eagar to put kids on meds for ADHD than to really see if there is a problem. Potential flags should be given out to new parents at birth or in birthing classes.