Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 90 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2011).
 
Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.
 
Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.
 
Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
 
Over one half million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.
 
Where can I get more information?
Educating yourself and others about autism is a critical way to assist with the education and development of the individual with autism and to help society understand the nature of this common developmental disorder.
 
To request additional information or to find answers to other questions on autism, please click on any of the links below, and visit our FAQ's section.
 
The 14 Signs Of Autism

1. May avoid eye contact

2. May prefer to be alone

3. Echos words or phrases

4. Difficulty interacting with others

5. Spins objects or self

6. Insistence on sameness

7. Inappropriate attachements to objects

8. Inappropriate laughing or giggling

9. May not want cuddling

10. Difficulty in expressing needs; may use gestures

11. Inappropriate response or no response to sound

12. No real fear of dangers

13. Apparent insensitivity to pain

14. Sustained unusual or repetitive play' uneven physical or verbal skills

What is Asperger's Syndrome
 
What causes autism and how is autism diagnosed?
 
What is the DSM IV and how is it used to determine the diagnosis?
 
What are the most effective approaches?
 
Is there a cure and what is the prognosis?


Are you wondering whether a child you know may have autism or Asperger's Syndrome? Take the "Mini Autism Quiz."