Autism in Child

Autism is a brain development disorder whose characteristic signs are impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive behavior, all exhibited before a child is three years old. These characteristics distinguish autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Heritability contributes about 90% of the risk of a child developing autism, but the genetics of autism are complex and typically it is unclear which genes are responsible. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Other proposed causes, such as exposure of children to vaccines, are controversial and the vaccine hypotheses have no convincing scientific evidence. Most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of 1–2 per 1,000 people for autism and close to 6 per 1,000 for ASD, with ASD averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, at least partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; it is unknown whether prevalence has increased as well.

Autism affects many parts of the brain, but how this occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually notice warning signs in the first year or two of their child's life. Early intervention may help children gain self-care and social skills, though only a very few of these interventions are supported by scientific studies; there is no cure. With severe autism independent living is unlikely, but with milder autism there are some success stories as adults,and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is simply another way of being.