Introduction

ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is often referred to as ASD, is the term used to describe a group of disorders that include autism, Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder (also known as atypical autism). Autism is the most commonly occurring form of ASD.
The symptoms associated with ASD appear early in a child's development and this is why it is considered to be a ‘developmental disorder'. The term ‘spectrum' is used because it describes the wide variety and differing levels of severity of symptoms found in children with ASD. For example, two children could be diagnosed with ASD, yet one may have an intellectual disability, no spoken language and be considered low functioning; whereas the other may have average or even above average intelligence, appear to have normal speech and be considered high functioning.

Some experts think that Asperger's syndrome is a high-functioning form of autism. Others believe there is no difference because these disorders share the same characteristics and similar difficulties. What is important is that the general approach to treatment for both these disorders is the same, with specific treatment being tailored to the needs of the individual.
Recent research suggests that on average, one in 160 children will be diagnosed with ASD, with boys outnumbering girls in ratio four to one. Approximately 75 per cent of children with a diagnosis of ASD are of low intelligence, while around 10 per cent may demonstrate high intelligence in specific areas such as mathematics or computer studies. A very small number have a remarkable ability in a specific area, for example musical skills or memory.

CHARACTERISTICS/EARLY WARNING SIGNS

There are certain facts that parents with Autistic children need to know.
This was well documented in an article written by Dr Biodun Ogungbo in a Punch newspaper publication in January 2014.

Given the obvious challenges of persons exhibiting this condition, the management of the school envisages that there might be problems and difficulties of a different nature in housing/boarding both male and female autistic persons on the same premises, given close proximity of the two hostels. Hence, at present, it accepts only males. This is not gender insensitivity on the part of the organization, but a challenge. To this end, the foundation has an advanced plan to establish another school for FEMALE Autistics in Lagos, based on the requests we receive regularly from the families of autistic persons in Lagos State. Nevertheless, whenever we are able to expand the needed facilities with capable personnel, we hope to admit female autistic persons.