Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder usually first identified during early childhood, that causes what is often referred to as a ‘triad of social impairments.’

The triad of social impairments mentioned above consist of: effects on social development, the development of communication skills, and the activities and interests of the child.

The causes of autism can be identified from 2 point of views – neurobiology and genetics

In the eyes of neurobiology, autism is a disorder that affects how the brain is developed. However, because of the different studies and symptoms involving in neurobiology research, there is no single theory about the cause of autism at the present moment.

In term of genetics, autism is understood as genetic. However, again, there is no single theory that can exactly determine the cause of autism.

I found interesting on Bryna’s explanation about what’s not the cause of autism, but we often relate it to autism:

• Childhood vaccinations do not cause autism.
• no environmental causes of autism that have been studied have been identified to cause or increase the rate of autism.
• Bad parenting and the absence of sufficient love does not cause autism.

Regarding autism treatment, Bryna explained that children with autism learn differently. Understanding this will help parents to decide which autism treatments that are the right ones for their children.

For more information about autism, the causes and the treatments, please visit Bryna’s knol.

John Frenaye wrote a knol about his choices of museums that are kid-friendly, from his own experience.

With the application and implementation of technology advances, some museums today are full of interactivity. Say goodbye to the old days of boring learning experience for your children.

Here are the summary of John’s choices of kid-friendly museum:

1. Tate Modern (London): Hand-held PDAs, touch screens and a digital audio guide.
2. Haus der Musik (Vienna): Virtual Conductor – You can take the podium and conduct the orchestra virtually.
3. Museum of Modern Art (New York): Wireless technology.
4. National Gallery (London): Touch-screen index.
5. The Hermitage (St. Petersburg): QBIC (Query by Image Content) technology – Visitors can search for paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, furniture and archaeological artifacts using simple visual tools.
6. Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, Ill.): Ghosts – interactive holographic images of Abraham Lincoln.

My favourite of all is the virtual conductor in Haus der Musik, Vienna. Perhaps I can visit it in the near future?

Image by anneonearth.