These pages are addressed to the parents of a child who has autism.

Autism is a severe and complex brain disorder that first presents in children who are age three and younger. People with autism have difficulty communicating and forming relationships. They may appear intensely preoccupied by specific, often unusual, interests and activities, and engage in repetitive behaviors. People with autism also show signs of altered sensory input, such as overreacting to particular sounds. They have underdeveloped communication skills, and half of people with autism never learn to speak.

Autism is believed to affect one or two children in every thousand—a significant incidence. It is not outgrown. Many people with autism need to have constant supervision and assistance throughout their lives. There are, however, remarkable success stories and the occasional miraculous "savant" who demonstrates extraordinary abilities such as phenomenal mathematical calculations or playing a musical instrument they have never studied.

Autism represents failure of normal brain development. Very little else is known about the causes of this condition. Every child diagnosed with autism is different, and many have additional conditions like seizures and mental retardation. So far there has been no common ground upon which to base a search for a cure, although research is intense and scientists are continuing to make discoveries. Studies suggest:

  • Genes play a role. Autism seems to run in identical twins and in some families. Several genes may be involved.
  • Problems during pregnancy or delivery may interfere with normal brain development.
  • A viral infection in a pregnant woman may be a factor.