i was diagnosed with autism.
[{"role": "system", "content": "Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication. Often there is also restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two or three years of their child's life. These signs often develop gradually, though some children with autism reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then worsen. Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include certain infections during pregnancy such as rubella as well as valproic acid, alcohol, or cocaine use during pregnancy. Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes; for example the vaccine hypotheses, which have been disproven. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. In the DSM V, autism is included within the autism spectrum (ASDs), along with Asperger syndrome which is less severe, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Early speech or behavioral interventions can help children with autism gain self-care, social, and communication skills. Although there is no known cure, there have been cases of children who recovered.\n"}, {"role": "user", "content": "I am so devastated and yet a bit relieved. I know I have always been considered an odd ball and am horrible in social situations but after and evaluation I got my results today and I have autism "}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Oh my, I'm sure it's good to find out. I know Autism is a developmental disorder, causing issues with communication and interaction in social situations, but not much more about it. Have you treatment plans?"}, {"role": "user", "content": "Well, I am enrolled in therapy and I am looking forward to that but am also a bit scared. They told me I have Classic Autism. Treatment is necessary as Autism is not something that is curable. "}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Well at least there is treatment available. I know some of the risk factors can vary, such as a family history, genetic conditions and older parents. Do you know if that came into play?"}, {"role": "user", "content": "You know what, I have a cousin who is Autistic but she has Asperger's Syndrome which is also a form of autism. "}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Did you ever notice any symptoms with your cousin? Such as repetitive patterns in her behavior and activities, or problems with interaction or communication?"}, {"role": "user", "content": "Her symptoms are very noticeable so it was not difficult for them to get her diagnosed, but with me I think my symptoms were a bit more subtle. My mom feels guilty because she said in retrospect I always avoided eye contact and loved to be alone and would freak out if even minor changes were made around me"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Yes, I know that often with Asperger's the person will appear to be a bit more clumsy and their language skills not the same as others, so I'm sure that was a strong indication if your cousin had these symptoms. But, it can be hard to diagnose, so mom shouldn't feel guilty."}]