different world, a common world: an essay on autism

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects information processing. People with autism have difficulty with social and communication skills. They have restricted interests and exhibit repetitive behaviors. They also often experience sensitivity or distress to sensory stimulation, such as certain lights or sounds.Because the symptoms of autism vary widely, the condition is said to occur on a spectrum, known as autism spectrum disorder. Asperger's syndrome refers to "high-functioning" autism, but it is no longer a formal diagnostic term.Autism typically manifests before the age of two. According to the CDC, it is diagnosed four times more often in males than in females, although it is often missed and misdiagnosed in females. The frequency of diagnoses has increased considerably over the past 20 years; it is unclear whether the incidence is actually increasing, whether experts are more aware of it, or whether the diagnosis has been broadened to include lesser degrees of disability.