Stuff for Teens

What Is Autism?

Autism (also referred to as autism spectrum disorder or ASD) is
a neurological disorder that affects the way a person’s brain and
body works. As it is a spectrum disorder, no two people will
have the same symptoms and characteristics. In other words,
just like other teenagers, not all people with ASD are the same.
It is also important to know that autism is not a disease and is
not contagious.

A person with ASD may have diffi culty communicating with
other people, making friends or following directions. Sometimes
a person with ASD may have trouble understanding what is
going on if they are overwhelmed by lights, noises, movements
and smells. Certain things may make them upset, and they may
not know how to calm down or tell you what’s bothering them.
Some people with ASD may not understand “common sense”
things you take for granted. However, with help from teachers,
classmates, families and friends, teens with ASD can fi nd it
easier to attend school in spite of these challenges.

What Causes Autism?

No one knows exactly why some people have autism. There
may be many different causes. Scientists are still trying to fi nd
out what those causes are and how to best help people with
ASD. Approximately 1,500,000 people in the United States
have an autism spectrum disorder—that’s 1 out of every 150
people. ASD can affect anyone, regardless of race, religion,
economic status or where they live; however, it is more common
in boys than in girls.

To see teen struggle with Autism I suggest you watch MTV's True Life: I Have Autism at
http://www.mtv.com/videos/true-life-i-have-autism/1554937/playlist.jhtml