Understanding children with autism: exploding the myths.

The incidence of autism is increasing in both the USA and in Britain. There is still controversy over what causes autism and even greater controversy over selecting a preferred method of intervention and support (as there is no treatment for autism). Although there is now a general consensus that individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop autism, it is also acknowledged that this may be off set by a range of environmental and/or biological factors. The understanding of the causation of autism is now considered in much the same way as we understand cerebral palsy, in that there can be a range of different reasons for causation and prevalence. This article, the first of two parts, will explore how an awareness and understanding of autism can enable nurses working with children with autism to provide more child-centred nursing care based on fact as opposed to stereotype and mythology surrounding autism. The second part will concentrate on adults with autism.