Autism is a developmental abnormality. It is assumed that the disorders are caused by genetic damage and have nothing to do with parenting.
Early signs of autism
You can notice signs of autism in a child already in the first years of life. A characteristic feature is a reluctance to make contact, physical or social. As a result, the speech development of the child is inhibited, who simply does not seek to establish connections with the outside world.
The child does not show initiative in communication, avoids eye contact. Autistic people are characterized by echolalia - the repetition of words or phrases, which can mistakenly create the impression of mental retardation. However, in fact, mental retardation is observed only in a third of cases, usually autists understand the meaning of what has been said.
An autistic child does not strive to find a common language with peers, it seems emotionally cold and detached. Autists are distinguished by hypersensitivity to sensory influences of the environment: light, sounds, smells, touch. High intensity impacts deliver suffering akin to pain in case of physical injury.
Autists and society
Autistic people are rigid, it is very difficult for them to adapt to changes. Therefore, they protest against the violation of the usual way of life, they themselves like to restore order. They live according to a certain routine and require their relatives to strictly observe it.
Autistic people find it difficult to understand other people's messages, verbal or non-verbal. Therefore, they do not perceive humor, the figurative meaning of words. The meaning of what has been said is taken literally.
In adulthood, the interests of autists are limited, usually include one specific area. They are well versed in this area, they know the smallest details. With other people, they can really talk only about their interests, while not paying attention to their feedback.
Autistic people do not understand other people's problems and do not seek comfort themselves. They prefer to spend time alone, indulging in their favorite business. This makes it very difficult for these people to make friends and maintain long-term relationships.
People with autism have impaired predictive and planning skills, for which the frontal lobes of the brain are responsible. Often, they simply cannot foresee the development of events, which can lead to life-threatening actions.
When it comes to creative talent, there is a type of autism called Asperger's Syndrome. People with this syndrome are distinguished by genius in some isolated area. There are many artists, musicians or scientists among autists.