one child has 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": "assistant", "content": "Hi there. Do you know much about autism? I only know it's apparently caused by a combination of genetic and environmental issues."}, {"role": "user", "content": "I do know quite a bit about it.  part of my job would be in that field.  It tends to present from early childhood, characterized by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Gosh, that must be really hard to deal with. Can you help children with autism to function well? And what is your job?"}, {"role": "user", "content": "I work actually with adults as a hospital and court advocate.  I work with people with mental health difficulties, learning disability etc etc.  Experts can help autistic children adapt and deal with the world around them but it is a life long condition."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Your job sounds amazing. I have so much admiration for people who actually care about people with mental health issues. I'm so glad there are people to help."}, {"role": "user", "content": "It is an interesting job for sure.  I never know where I will be from one day to the next or with whom.  What field do you work in?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "I was a lawyer, then quit and became a golf caddie - best job I ever had! I have a physical disability at the moment, so not much doing in the job department."}, {"role": "user", "content": "That definitely a big change but hey its most important to do what you enjoy in life."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Absolutely. Couldn't have been happier with the change. It's a great way to meet people, help them enjoy their day and generally have a good time at work! Have you worked in your field for long?"}]