Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), a group of illnesses that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize or form relationships with others as well as the ability to communicate and to use imagination (including fantasy play). Children with autism and related disorders often are confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them.

In addition to problems with social interaction, imagination, and communication, children with autism also have a limited range of interests. Many children with autism (nearly 75%) also have mental retardation. In many cases, children with autism are unable to emotionally bond with their parents or other family members.Autism Spectrum DisordersThe forms of autism are thought to overlap considerably. But the fact that there is wide variation in symptoms among children with autism led to the concept of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism seems to be on the rise, and autism spectrum disorders affect between two and six children out of every 1,000 in the U.S. It's unclear, though, whether the growing incidence of autism represents a real increase or just improved detection.

Early diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is important. That's because detection leads to treatment, and with early treatment, a child with autism can gain improved language and social skills. What Are the Symptoms of Autism?

Symptoms typically appear before a child is 3 years old and last throughout life. Children with autism can display a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in severity from mild to disabling. General symptoms that may be present to some degree in a child with autism include:Difficulty with verbal communication, including problems using and understanding language. Inability to participate in a conversation, even when the child has the ability to speak. Difficulty with non-verbal communication, such as gestures and facial expressions. Difficulty with social interaction, including relating to people and to his or her surroundings. Inability to make friends and preferring to play alone. Unusual ways of playing with toys and other objects, such as only lining them up a certain way. Lack of imagination. Difficulty adjusting to changes in routine or familiar surroundings, or an unreasonable insistence on following routines in detail. Repetitive body movements, or patterns of behavior, such as hand flapping, spinning and head banging. Preoccupation with unusual objects or parts of objects.

People with a form of autism, called savantism, have exceptional skills in specific areas such as music, art, and numbers. People with savantism are able to perform these skills without lessons or practice.

Research