Marta Schmidt-Mendez Ma

Autism...sometimes Marta Schmidt-Mendez Ma

There are many misconceptions in relation to autism in the general population. Each child diagnosed with autism differs from every other. A general description of autistic behaviors and characteristics cannot apply to every child. The term "autism" refers to a spectrum and as such every child will have his or her unique combination of characteristics within the spectrum. This book is not intended to explain what autism is, as there are many other books on the subject. This book is intended for children, parents and caregivers to read together. The purpose of this book is to highlight how children with autism are unique to themselves. Although all children with autism spectrum disorders have three diagnostic features in common, each child with an ASD is a unique individual. People with autism spectrum disorders differ as much from one another as do all people. Many myths exist in relation to autism. The truth is that children with autism spectrum disorders may speak and/or interact with others or may be hesitant to do so. They may have good eye contact or may avoid it. They may be boys or girls. They may have other challenges in addition to ASD. They may be verbal or non-verbal. They may be very bright, of average intelligence or have cognitive deficits. Autism exists in families of all racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Autism, like most everything else, isn't exactly as it appears on television, movies, or even the internet. A child is not a diagnosis. Once we learn that, we can appreciate the child, rather than lament the diagnosis.