Autism is a developmental disorder, typically diagnosed during the first three years of life.
  • It is neurological in nature, affecting the brain in four major areas of functioning:
  1. behavior
  2. language/communication
  3. social skills
  4. sensory systems.

The cause of autism remains a mystery. Current research suggests there may be different
subsets of individuals on the spectrum, arising from genetics, environmental insults, or a
combination of both.

Every person with autism is unique, with a different profile of strengths and challenges. No
two individuals manifest the same characteristics in the same degree of severity.

It is a “spectrum” disorder, and the various individual diagnoses are collectively referred to
as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Individuals on the spectrum range from those who are
nonverbal with severe challenges that can include self-injurious behaviors and accompanying
mental retardation, to individuals on the higher-functioning end of the spectrum (known as
Asperger’s Syndrome) who are extremely intelligent, with good expressive verbal language,
yet markedly impaired social skills and weak perspective-talking abilities.

The rate of autism is now 1 in every 94 births, and continues to escalate at alarming
rates. Every 21 minutes a child is diagnosed on the spectrum. It is four times more common in
boys than girls, and is consistently prevalent around the globe, and within different racial,
social and ethnic communities. On a family level, 1 in every 68 families will be affected by
autism.

Autism is a different way of thinking and learning. People with autism are people first;
autism is only one part of who they are. ASD is no longer viewed as strictly a behavioral
disorder, but one that affects the whole person on various fronts: biomedical, cognitive, social,
and sensory. With individualized and appropriate intervention, children with ASD can become
more functional and learn to adapt to the world around them.

Great strides are being made in our understanding of autism and Asperger’s and how best
to help these individuals. Children are now being diagnosed as early as 12-15 months old,
and many who receive intensive early intervention are able to enter elementary school in class
with their typical peers, needing minor supports and services. However, no matter the age of
diagnosis, children and adults with ASD are constant learners and significant improvements
in their functioning can be made at any age with the appropriate types and intensity of
services.


Early Warning Signs of Autism
The following list of symptoms represents the broad range of the disorder and is not meant to
be a checklist to determine whether or not a child has ASD.

Some children love hugs and are very affectionate (JT) ; others are extremely touch sensitive
to the point of it being painful. Some kids hit their developmental milestones, but they still
seem to be “missing” something in the way they interact with others.

Trust your gut instincts. If your child manifests several of these symptoms and your intuition
suggests “something is just not right”, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician and ask for
an evaluation. Get a second opinion if warranted. The earlier services are started with a child,
the better is the opportunity for optimal positive learning and change to occur. Be proactive.

At 6 months
• Not making eye contact with parents during interaction.
• Not cooing or babbling.
• Not smiling when parents smile.
• Not participating in vocal turn-taking (baby makes a sound, adult makes a sound, and so
forth).
• Not responding to peek-a-boo game.

At 12 months
• No attempts to speak.
• Not pointing, waving or grasping.
• No response when name is called.
• Indifferent to others.
• Repetitive body motions such as rocking or hand flapping.
• Fixation on a single object.
• Oversensitivity to textures, smells, sounds.
• Strong resistance to change in routine.
• Any loss of language.

At 24 months
• Does not initiate two-word phrases (that is, doesn't just echo words).
• Any loss of words or developmental skill.

Source for Early Warning Signs: Dr. Rebecca Landa, Center for Autism and Related Disorders
at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore.
AUTISM
Thank you for taking the interest and checking the About Autism
page of our web site.

The JT Foundation is not an expert or an authority on Autism.

We are parents, family members, and friends of someone
who has Autism, and like you are looking for answers.

What follows is some highlighted and helpful information that
we have collected during our journey through the world of Autism.

We have also provided links to some of the many great organizations and
programs that we have found very helpful.

So take a moment and learn a bit about a disorder that the CDC has
stated is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS
combined.

Things you need to know .….
The Autism
Awareness Ribbon


The puzzle pattern of the
ribbon reflect the
mystery and complexity
of Autism.

The different colors and
shapes represents the
diversity of people and
families living with this
disorder.

The brightness of the
ribbon signal HOPE!
April 2, 2010

JT is NOT Autistic



















JT has Autism....

He is JT.....!