Autism - 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 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention 1997). 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.

Autism Society of America :
http://www.autism-society.org/