Autism is a neurological disorder that interferes with normal development of reasoning, communication, and social interactions/skills.  It is a lifelong developmental disability that makes learning difficult and can lead to serious behavior problems.  It usually appears within the first three years of life (sometimes after a period of typical development).  It occurs four times more often in males than females. Autism has been found throughout the world in all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups. The occurrence rate is estimated to be up to one in 167.

Coming under the umbrella of  autism spectrum disorders are  those who display some of the characteristics of autism.  These related but distinct disorders include Asperger Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Landau-Kleffner, Rett Syndrome,  and William's Syndrome.  A child may also receive a diagnosis of  Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), if they do not meet the criteria for autism but  do display many characteristics of autism.  Autism may occur either by itself or  with other disorders such as seizure disorder, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, blindness and others.

What causes Autism

Although there is no known unique cause of autism, there is growing evidence that autism can be linked to a variety of factors. Any event that can damage the brain prior to the age of three can produce the behaviors consistent with autism   A genetic susceptibility  to autism may exist in some families.  If this susceptibility is combined with other factors, autism may result.   These factors may include trauma, viruses such as rubella and cytolomegalo virus, infections such as meningitis,  adverse reactions to vaccinations, toxins and pollutants, biochemical differences, and untreated metabolic disorders such as PKU. No known factors in the psychological  environment of a child  have been shown to cause autism. 

Parents do not cause Autism

How is Autism diagnosed?
Because there are no medical tests for autism, diagnosis  must be based on observations by a professional who has experience with autism.  A great deal of helpful information may be gained through assessment by a multidisciplinary team which may include a physician, psychologist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, and behavior management specialist.  Any complete assessment must include maximal parental involvement. 

Some behaviorial characteristics

There is no single adjective which can be used to describe every person with autism, because there are many forms of this disorder. People with autism can display a wide range of ability levels and behavioral  characteristics. Not all people with autism will have all of these characteristics. Any of these characteristics may (or may not) be seen in varying degrees.