What is autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during
the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that
affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors
have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention 1997).
Several related disorders are grouped under the broad heading "Pervasive
Developmental Disorder" or PDD, a general category of disorders that are
characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development
(American Psychiatric Association 1994).
Autism/PDD is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no
racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational
levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.
Children within autism/PDD often appear relatively normal in their development
until the age of 18-24 months, when parents may notice delays in language,
play or social interaction. Any of these delays, by themselves, would not
result in a diagnosis of a pervasive developmental disorder.
Rather, autism is a combination of several developmental
challenges.