Autism is a complex neurological disorder. Both children and adults with autism show difficulty with social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication.

Many individuals with autism demonstrate obsessive behaviors and interests. In addition, individuals with autism often have unusual responses to information from their senses. They may have difficulty with certain sounds, the way things look, the texture of foods or clothing against their skin.

Symptoms can be mild to severe (and each individual’s collection of symptoms are unique) - for this reason autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder.

Autism presents unique challenges to the individuals who have the disorder, as well as to their families, caregivers, educators, and peers. It is a hidden disability in the sense that the individuals affected are, in many cases, physically indistinguishable from their peers.

Click here to learn the early warning signs of autism in young children.

Prevalence

Autism occurs in approximately one in 150 births. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism spectrum disorders can often be reliably detected by the age of 3 years, and in some cases as early as 18 months.

Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Other Disorders

Individuals with autism may have other disorders which affect the functioning of the brain, such as epilepsy, mental retardation, genetic disorders such as Fragile X Syndrome. Learn more about Fragile X Syndrome.

About two-thirds of those diagnosed with autism will test in the range of mental retardation, although the accuracy of intelligence testing is questionable in individuals with autism because of sensory issues and communication difficulties.

A Cure for Autism?

There is no known cure for autism. However, researchers are working throughout the country to address this issue and every day we’re finding better ways to understand the disorder and help people cope with the various symptoms of the disability. Some symptoms may lessen as the child ages; others may disappear altogether. With appropriate intervention, many autistic-like behaviors can be positively changed even to the point that the child or adult may appear to no longer have autism. The majority of children and adults will, however, continue to exhibit some symptoms of autism to some degree throughout their entire lives. While no one can predict the future, we do know that some adults with autism live and work independently in the community while others depend on some degree of support from family and professionals.

Learn more about Autism from the following organizations:
National Institute of Mental Health
Autism Society of America
Other links

The Pathfinders for Autism News list is also a great resource for both recent News and Newsletters.

Click here to search the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center Database of service providers.