Information on autistic kids?

Question

At the moment I'm writing a story about a girl who's dealing with her younger brother, who's severely autistic, and how he affects her social life. It's realistic fiction.

Anyways, I need a lot of information on autistic children (5-7 years old).

As in, what age do they die at, what they typically act like, and what each degree of autism is like.

I just need as much information as possible on autistic children so I can write the story easier.

It would help a lot if you told me about any personal experiences with a child with autism or asperger's.

Answer 1

generally-they live an avergae life span---they do have increased safety risks though and are in danger of accidenst-

each person is extremely different--

from non communicative to near age level language

behavior vary--may like typical things--

may stim on things such as things that spin

may engage in self stimulatory behavior such as hand flapping/spinning in circles

Answer 2

I recommend you do some research on the subject-there are many good books written for young people about autism and many websites full of good information-way more than you can get on this site.

Life with someone on the spectrum is challenging and every day is different.  You never know what is going to happen, even with high functioning individuals.

Good luck with your story.

Answer 3

My brother is Autistic and is now 41 years old.  Autistic people typically have an average lifespan.  There are behaviors that seem to be more prevalent in younger kids that seem to diminish as they age.  For example, when my brother was younger, he rocked back and forth quite a bit.  The only time I have seen him do it in recent years is if he is in a room full of autistic people and everyone else is doing it.

Another behavior that has subsided since my brother has gotten older is the screaming.  When he was younger he wouldget upset and scream.  I mean LOUD screaming followed by bouts of hitting himself.  He has grown out of that behavior, but  now when he gets mad he repeats  what makes him mad over and over again. It can drive one a little crazy, because for a period after an incident, trying to reason with him is futile and makes him madder.  

One of the things he used to be fascinated with is rubber bands.  He could play with a rubber band for hours.  He just sort of shook it and watched the effects on the rubber band as it was being shook.  

My brother was not an autistic savant, meaning that he wasn't particularly gifted at any one thing like math or music or art.    Change of routine is partiularly bothersome to some autistics, but my brother wasn't too badly affected by it.

I hope that this helps.  If you have any particular questions, you may e-mail me through my profile.

Answer 4

I have quite a bit of personal experience from working with children with aspergers and autism. Just for future reference, families of children with aspergers and autism prefer that you say a "child with autism" not an "autistic child."

Asperger's is considered a "high functioning" autism. These children are vocal, tend to be very bright, and do well in school. There social skills are usually not very good. They tend to mature at a slower rate which can make it hard for them to make friends their own age. Sometimes you would never know someone had aspergers, while many times you can tell that something is not right, but may not be able to put a finger on it.

Autism can range from very mild (aspergers) to very severe. A child can be completly mute (non-vocal) or maybe only make noises. They tend to do things with their hands, and may sit and rock back and forth. A mid range level of autism gives you a child who may or may not be able to be in regular classes at school, may or may not be vocal, and may or may not have the signature signs of autism. Children with autism tend to do a lot with their hands and think in pictures rather than words. Many times they have "photographic memories."

Every child with autism is very different, you will not find two with exactly the same issues.

Answer 5

Well I have Asperger's and I made a video about what its like inside my head: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbgUjmeC-...