Autism is a very unique condition, and one that may be difficult for some people to understand. However, by taking the time to truly learn about autism, you can help someone you love who may be coping with the disability. If you want to learn more about autism, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding the disability, with answers directly from the Autism Society:

What is Autism?
Autism is a very complex developmental disability that typically appears in a person’s toddler years. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of behavior, social interaction, and communication skills.

Autism can affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others, though autism is not experienced the same way for everyone. Autism is considered to be a “spectrum disorder”, which means that it affects everyone differently.

How Can I Spot Autism?
Autism is incredibly treatable, especially if you get an early diagnosis. If you notice any of these symptoms in your young child, it may be time to talk to your doctor about the possibility of autism:

• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

What Are Other Symptoms of Autism?
Besides the symptoms described above, many common autistic traits include resistance to change, tantrums, obsessive attachment to objects, over-sensitivity, no real fears of danger, uneven motor skills, extreme over or under-activity physically, difficulty mixing with others, laughing or crying for no reason, and non-responsiveness to verbal cues. Remember, autism is a spectrum disorder and can appear differently in different kinds of people.

What Causes Autism?
Right now, there is no known single cause for autism.