Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted

and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old.[1] Autism affects information processing in the
brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood.[2] The two
other autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and
PDD-NOS, diagnosed when full criteria for the other two disorders are not met.[3]
Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more
by rare mutations, or by rare combinations of common genetic variants.[4] In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents
that cause birth defects.[5] Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes, such as heavy metals, pesticides or
childhood vaccines;[6] the vaccine hypotheses are biologically implausible and lack convincing scientific evidence.[7] The
prevalence of autism is about 1–2 per 1,000 people; the prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000, with about four times as many
males as females. The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes
in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.[8]
Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life.[9] The signs usually develop gradually, but some autistic
children first develop more normally and then regress.[10] Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help autistic
children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure.[9] Not many children with autism live
independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful.[11] An autistic culture has developed, with some
individuals seeking a cure and others believing autism should be tolerated as a difference and not treated as a disorder.[12]
Symptoms of Autism
The symptoms of Autism are more obvious as a child develops. Usually between the age of 24 months to thirty six months the
symptoms of Autism are more obvious.Most parents have been through the stage of the "terrible twos" A child with Autism can
have violent tantrums for no apparent reason. They will react unusually to certain objects, for example a teddy bear that may feel
soft and cuddly can create an autistic child to react by screaming and shouting as if it is being hurt by the object.
Other signs the child may develop is the lack of eye to eye contact and the inability to interact with other children or even their
own parents. Every parent wants to hold,kiss and cuddle their child, again this can be distressing to the autistic child who does
not like to be touched. They can also seem very aloof and even give the impression of being deaf by ignoring those around them.
It often sems that an Autistic child is in a world of their own and that they want no contact with the outside world.
Characteristics of Autism
The characteristics of Autism include Impulsive behaviour. Lack of
attention,Restlesness,Hyperactivity,Forgetfulness,Destructivenessand Mood Swings

Autism is a spectrum disorder. Behavioral symptoms or characteristics for autism can be present from mild to severe. We often
hear terms or labels used to describe our loved ones, like autistic, autistic-like, high-functioning or low-functioning.
The important point to remember is our loved ones with autism can learn, make progress and may grow up to function
productively with an appropriate education, benefits, supports and services.
A person with autism usually has problems interacting with people in the following ways:
• may avoid or lack eye-contact,
• may not imitate others,
• may not point or use other hand gestures,
• may prefer to be alone, and
• may not understand social cues.

A person with autism will usually have problems communicating, such as:
• may not speak at all,
• may be severely language delayed,
• may have unusual or odd speech patterns (repeat words and phrases heard by others, i.e. tv or videos,
• may be unable to initiate or engage in a conversation,
• may be unable to use their imagination during play i.e. pretending a banana is a telephone).

An individual with autism may show restricted, repetitive, or ritualistic behaviors, interests, and activities, for example:
• may be preoccupied with a narrow range of interest (i.e. dinosaurs, astronomy, trains or roller coasters,
• may insist on sameness (i.e. prefer certain clothing or eating only certain foods,
• may line up their toys or objects,
• may flap their hands, or make odd hand and body gestures,
• may spin or like to spin objects,
• may rock themselves,
• may be self-injurious i.e. head banging,
• may anger easily or show aggression,
• may be resistance to change,
• may become angry or upset if their daily routine changes in any way, and
• may focus on only a small part of a toy or object).