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Living with autism: what the condition means

Good help is possible as soon as autism is recognized.(Bild: gpointstudio/stock.adobe.com)

Autism - or more precisely, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - is a collective term for complex neurological developmental disorders. The best-known forms are early childhood autism and Asperger's syndrome. What symptoms occur and what this means for those affected and their environment.

Around 87,000 children, adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) live in Austria. Those affected sometimes show exceptional talents, but often have major problems in contact with other people. There is no such thing as a typical autistic person. Depending on the form, symptoms, severity and stage of life, this complex neurological developmental disorder has different effects on behavior, communication skills and social interaction.