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Autism


Studies of families have shown that 2 to 6% of the siblings of autistic children are also autistic and that 8% of the extended families will have another member who has autism. Also though it is shown through research that there is an increase in prevalence of siblings of autistic children to have mental retardation or cognitive disabilities. This would mean that perhaps what is passed down is not a particular "autism gene" but rather a gene that impairs cognitive abilities. (Mash, Terdal 415) For now though no theory has been completely proven to be true, as many are being disproved and others are arising.
             There are certain characteristics of autism that are found usually during infancy. Autistic infants are known to stiffen their bodies or go completely limp when being picked up by their parents unlike the cuddling or clinging of a normal child. They also tend to show little or no interest in other people including their family or caregivers. They often seem unaware of the feelings and emotions of people around them and would probably not react to someone who is hurt or in distress. Also they fail to make friends or even make the effort to meet people since they usually play alone. They tend to engage in repetitious activities such as tapping, staring at rotating objects, or rocking back and forth. Others are also known to spin in circles, flap their arms or snapping their fingers repeatedly. Autistic children usually become extremely upset at minor changes in their surroundings and routines. (Encarta-Autism) Unlike other healthy infants, autistic babies do not imitate people's movements or speech. This results in awkward movements and poor speech development. Some never learn to speak while others only learn a few words and have limited speech. Autistic children are also prone to repeating words or phrases that other people say. Research has yet to accurately prove the cause of the very heightened or lessened senses of autistic children.


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