Expert: James Michael Roan - 12/18/2005

Question
I was hoping that you can clearly define autism, the autism spectrum and what and how an autistic person behaves...

Thanks

Answer
Hi Craig;

I am afraid this is way too general of a question for me to answer. I'll do my best on the first two questions:

1. People with autism vary widely but share some deficits in common with each other:

a. Restrictive and stereotyped interests and/or patterns of behavior
b. Deficits in communication, especially pragmatic (social) language
c. Deficits in social interaction

2. The autism spectrum loosely defines the range or continuum of severity of the above symptomolgy from severe autism where a person has no functional means of communication and typically also has some degree of mental retardation to Asperger's Syndrome where these indviduals are barely noticeable among typical individuals.

3. Children and adults with autism are just like you and I, but have a different cognitive profile. Although they are often less successful in groups, I personally believe they are inherently more genuine and intimate in a one-to-one situation. That is my opinion.

Take care Craig and enjoy the holidays!

Kind Regards,
James