Introduction

Autism is a biological disorder of the brain that impairs communication, social skills, and behavior. It encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders that may range from mild to severe. Symptoms of autism appear in the first three years of life. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder, affecting every demographic and socio-economic group worldwide.

Autism is the second most common childhood disability, after mental retardation. During the 1990’s, the incidence of Autism increased dramatically. For many years, Autism occurred in about 5 children per 10,000 live births. Currently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Autism occurs 1 in 150 children. A recent study in California reported a 273% increase (NY Times 10/18/02) between 1987 and 1998. Currently, there are no biological markers, specific treatment, or cure for Autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) includes Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Rett’s, and Childhood Disintegratiave Disorder. The Autism Society of America provides these definitions:

Autistic Disorder is characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and imaginative play prior to 3 years of age with stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities.

Asperger’s Disorder is characterized by impairments in social interactions and the presence of restricted interests and activities, with no clinically significant general delay in language, and testing in the range of average to above average intelligence.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD – NOS) is diagnosed when a child does not meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis, but there is a severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors.

Rett’s Disorder is a progressive disorder which, to date, has only occurred in girls. It is characterized by a period of normal development followed by a loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands, replaced with repetitive hand movements beginning at the age of 1-4 years.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years, followed by significant loss of previously acquired skills. (American Psychiatric Association 1994)

Some individuals with Autism may also have other disorders which affect the functioning of the brain such as Epilepsy, Mental Retardation, Down Syndrome, or genetic disorders such as Fragile X Syndrome, Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, William’s Syndrome or Tourette’s Syndrome. Many of those diagnosed with Autism will test in the range of mental retardation. Approximately 25-30 percent may develop a seizure pattern at some period during life.