Solving the Autism Mystery

Solving the Autism Mystery

This article discusses the mysteries that surround what little is known about autism. As a result, parents are desperate for information, and there is plenty of it, both factual and bogus. It was not until 1990 when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was signed that autism was officially observed as its own impairment; previously, children, teenagers and adults with autism were labeled as emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded. "Society's awareness of autism is at an all-time high, and autism experts are more and more capable of identifying problem behaviors early in a child's development. According to Dr. Coplan, the "big three" help him diagnose spectrum disorders in babies and toddlers." There are many children in our school systems today that suffer from autism. As a teacher, it is very important that one become familiar with the symptoms of autism and how to relate and handle children who suffer from autism. I am grateful for the research that has been done in the area of autism. This research enables teachers to develop an awareness for children who suffer from autism disorders so that we can provide them with the best educational instruction possible to meet their needs.