Autism is a severe developmental disorder. The actual cause is not known. A child with autism does not develop a normal personality or interactive skills. Impairment is seen in communication skills, social interaction, and emotional development. Autism usually can be detected before the child is 30 months old. It is an uncommon lifelong disorder that affects about 4 children out of 10,000. Boys are likely to have it 3 or 4 times more often than girls.

Autistic children exhibit distinctive characteristics in these areas:
* Social relations: Infants may have a delayed or absent social smile. They may fail to interact with caregivers. They may not reach out to be picked up and held. Pleasure is not shown in cuddling or other contact. A lack of social interest is present as the child ages.
* Behavior: Repetitive behavior occurs in the child's second year. Examples are flicking a light switch on and off, passing a toy back and forth from one hand to the other, or walking around a room feeling the walls. Common body movements might include hand flicking or twisting, spinning, or head-banging. Stopping these behaviors or disturbing their surroundings may cause the child to respond with a temper tantrum.
* Language: Speech is not used for meaningful communication during the early childhood years. There is often constant and meaningless repeating of another's words or phrases.
* Sensory and perceptive processes: The autistic child may act deaf even though the child's hearing is normal. If annoyed, the child may make piercing noises. They may cringe and cover their ears when hearing certain sounds. Autistic children are often fascinated with music, light patterns, strange textures, and bad tastes and odors. The child may not like to be touched and be either over or under-sensitive to pain.

Special education, behavior therapy, and drugs are currently the most effective treatments. Autistic children need to be told directly what to do. Directions should be kept precise and specific, but not explanatory.

Autistic-like behaviors often are seen in other conditions. It is important that a pediatrician or child psychiatrist or psychologist be consulted. Contact the Autism Society of America at (800) 3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) for information.

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