Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.” This group of disabilities is often called autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). These developmental disabilities are defined by varying degrees of problems with communication, social interaction, and unusual, repetitive behaviors. Aside from autism, the four other disorders are Asperger's disorder, Childhood Disintegrative disorder, Rett's disorder and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).*

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders.  This disabling disease affects 1 in 166 children and is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.*  Autism is more common than childhood cancer and Down Syndrome.** It is considered the fastest-growing developmental disability and it is believed that an estimated 1.5 million Americans has some form of autism.*

Autism affects three main areas of development: verbal and non verbal communication, social interactions, and play or imaginative skills (unusual interests and behaviors).  Although autism is defined by a certain set of traits, it is a spectrum disorder so the degree of severity can differ from child to child. Some children may exhibit more severe autistic behaviors than others.

Here is a list of possible traits of autistic individuals.*

• Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
• Difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures or pointing instead of words
• Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
• Laughing (and/or crying) for no apparent reason showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
• Preference to being alone; aloof manner
• Tantrums
• Difficulty in mixing with others
• Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
• Little or no eye contact
• Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
• Sustained odd play
• Spinning objects
• Obsessive attachment to objects
• Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
• No real fears of danger
• Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
• Uneven gross/fine motor skills
• Non responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf, although hearing tests in normal range.

There is no single known cause of autism. Scientists are studying genetic and environmental factors as possible causes of autism. Another theory being studied are links between some vaccines with mercury and autism.

Autism is a lifelong disorder and while there is no cure for autism, there are different interventions that can help improve an autistic's child's life. Early diagnosis and intervention is critical in order to get the best outcome possible for children with autism. There is no standard treatment for autism. It is important for families to research and talk to professionals about the treatment options available to them and then decide on what best suites their child. The treatment needs to be tailored to the child's behaviors, needs, strengths, weaknesses, and learning style.  There are many different approaches used in helping autistic children learn new skills and reduce certain behaviors associated with autism. Some families use a combination of approaches with their children because that is what works best for them. 

Here is a list of some approaches used:*

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Treatment & Education of Autistic and Related Communication of Handicapped Children (TEACCH)
• Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)
• Pivotal Response Treatment
• Floor Time
• Social Stories
• Sensory Integration
• Facilitated Communication
• Complementary Approaches such as music, art and animal therapy
• BioMedical
• Dietary

* Information obtained from the Autism Society of America
** Information obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention