AUTISM
Autism is a brain disorder that typically affects a person’s ability to communicate, and form relationships with others. Isolated in worlds of their own, people with autism appear indifferent and are unable to form emotional bonds with others. People with this brain disorder can display a wide range of symptoms: many are incapable of understanding other people’s thoughts, feelings and needs. Often, language and intelligence fail to develop fully, making communication and social relationships difficult. People with autism are often painfully sensitive to sound, touch or smell.
Children with autism do not follow the typical patterns of child development. And parents may feel sorrow that their hopes and dreams may never materialise. But gone are the days when people with autism were isolated, typically sent away to institutions. Today, many youngsters can be helped to attend school with other children. Methods are available to help improve their social, language and academic skills.
Answer the following questions:

1. Is autism a brain disorder? What ability does this brain disorder typically affect?

2. How do you understand this expression: “Isolated in worlds of their own”?

3. Why is communication difficult for people with autism?

4. Do children with autism follow typical patterns of child development?

5. Why do parents of children with autism often feel sorrow?

6. Can children with autism be helped to attend school with other children now?

7. Is it possible to help improve social, language and academic skills of children with autism?

Translate the following sentences:

1. Его неспособность общаться – это не результат плохого воспитания, а следствие психического нарушения, которое называется аутизм.

2. Формирование эмоциональных связей с окружающими – серьезная проблема для людей с аутизмом.

3. Моя сестра всегда была болезненно чувствительна к громким звукам.

4. Он всегда умел понимать проблемы других людей, их мысли и чувства, и это всегда привлекало к нему людей.

5. Он вдруг понял, что его надежды и мечты никогда не воплотятся в жизнь.

6. Прошли те дни, когда люди с аутизмом обычно были изолированы.