Autism

Autism is a brain disorder that is associated with a wide range of developmental problems, especially in communication and social interaction.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism is classified as a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These disorders are characterized by problems with communication, social interaction, as well as unusual, repetitive behaviors.

Some professionals use a broader term, called pervasive development disorder (PDD), to describe autism. In addition to autism, there are four other disorders that qualify as PDDs: Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Rett syndrome.

The cause of autism remains unknown.

Although most children are not diagnosed with autism until they are around preschool age, the first signs of autism generally appear between 12 and 18 months of age. The severity of symptoms varies among patients. Some patients are able to live independently once they become adults, while others may need lifelong support.

A minority of autistic patients may also be considered savants. These patients are autistic but express extraordinary mental abilities in a very specific area. Autistic savants often have exceptional skills with numbers, art, or music. Not all savants are autistic. However, the number of autistic savants far exceeds the number of non-autistic savants.

As many as 1.5 million Americans may have autism. Researchers estimate that one to six out of every 1,000 children have autism. The number of children diagnosed with autism has increased over the years. However, it is unclear whether more children are developing the disorder or better diagnostic techniques have helped doctors identify the disorder in more patients.

For unknown reasons, boys are three to four times more likely to develop autism than girls.

In the 1940s, when autism was first described, most autistic patients were institutionalized. Today, however, most autistic patients are able to live with their families. Although there is currently no cure for autism, treatments and therapies have been shown to help autistic patients live healthy, relatively normal lives. Regardless of how severe the patient's symptoms are, appropriate treatment and education can help autistic patients become integrated into their communities.

ASDS, Asperger's syndrome, autistic, autism screening questionnaire, autism spectrum disorders, brain disorder, CHAT, checklist for autism in toddlers, childhood disintegrative disorder, developmental disorder, epilepsy, fragile X syndrome, genetic disease, genetic disorder, Heller's syndrome, language pathologist, neurologic, neurological, neurological disease, neurological disorder, PDD, pervasive development disorders, physical therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, Rett syndrome, savant, speech pathologist, social worker, Tourette's syndrome, tuberous sclerosis.