Scientists- autism?

People ask me what I do and my answer is "autism studies" and they have a blank look on their faces. The next question makes me gape at them open-mouthed when they ask me- "Is it related to automotive engineering?" After regaining composure I say "No! It's related to psychology, it's a developmental disability." So, here it is - Autism and Asperger syndrome are developmental disabilities characterised by a lack of social skills. Asperger syndrome is characterised by good language skills but they don't understand how to use it. Both, people with autism and AS have a lack of social skills. These disorders cannot be treated by medication or any method but many of their behaviours can be modified to make them cope really well with the demands of the society. Nearly 50% of all people with autism have an intellectual disability too and autism is 4 times more prevalent in boys than girls. What is really alarming is that nearly 1 in 100 children are in the autism spectrum. Some people have savant skills i.e., they are highly skilled in a few areas (Dustin Hoffman in Rain man) but these form only a minority of the autism population. Some people are really skilled at drawing and painting mainly because of their photographic memory, they can reproduce a particular scene after seeing it only once on paper. They are also skilled at following directions and some may even memorise the whole tube map of London.
Coming to the causes, autism may definitely have a genetic link. High intelligence may also be a factor that may be related to autism. The causes of autism is still a field undergoing enormous amount of research.
People with autism have sensory issues, repetitive language skills, activities and obsessional interests in a few areas. They may be overly sensitive to some sounds but may not even twitch if there is loud clang of a falling saucepan. They may like to do the same things over and over again like rolling a ball against a wall for hours on end. People with AS and autism are particularly interested in machines, maybe because all machines work with a definite pattern and are repetitive. They may speak to you about the things they like and ignore you completely if you change the topic (anyone among your friends?). They may also not like any physical contact and may resist your handshake.
This love for a pattern and routine may be the link though which we can approach a person with autism and make a difference to their lives. Having a pictorial time-table with a set routine of activities can be an effective means for intervention. The trick is to introduce change by the principle of little and more i.e., introduce change in small amounts at frequent intervals. Preparing them for this change depends on the individual - it may take a week, a month or more.
We need to provide more predictable and routine environments for people with autism.
Many scientists like Einstein and Leonardo DaVinci may have been autistic maybe because of their obsessional interests and high intelligence. The inventions we use today may never have existed if not for these wonderful people!