Observing World Autism Awareness Day

The Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago is the sole foundation dedicated to the people with autism in Trinidad and Tobago. It was founded in June 1990 to be aware of the condition in that country. The president is Teresina Sieunarine, a former school teacher. It is based on the UK National Autistic Society standards.

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder. Its symptoms include differences and disabilities in many areas including social communication skills, fine and gross motor skills, and sometimes intellectual skills.

Autism is also a “spectrum disorder.” In basic terms, this means you can be a little autistic or very autistic. At the highest end of the spectrum is Asperger Syndrome, sometimes called “The Little Professor” syndrome. At at the lowest end of the spectrum is the disorder that’s most often called “classic autism,” which often includes mental retardation. In between are a variety of pervasive developmental disorders including Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

Not only is autism a spectrum disorder, but recent studies suggest that there may be more than one type of autism. While some autistic people have additional symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues, seizures and even mental illness, others have no such symptoms. The jury is still out on the question of "many autisms," so for now the term "autism spectrum" covers a very wide set of differences and disabilities.