Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) also include the related conditions Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS, which have fewer signs and symptoms.

Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by multigene interactions or by rare mutations. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Other proposed causes, such as childhood vaccines, are controversial, and the vaccine hypotheses lack any convincing scientific evidence and are biologically implausible. The prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000 people, with about four times as many males as females. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.

Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is not understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child’s life. Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful, and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing autism should be tolerated as a difference and not treated as a disorder.

Symptoms

Autism symptoms can appear as early as infancy. However, most doctors will wait until a child is 2 to 3 years old before suggesting testing for Autism.

Early intervention for Autism has always been promoted by professionals as the best form of treatment. Then why do physicians wait before diagnosing Autism in children? The reasons vary from not wishing to scare parents with a wrong diagnosis to simply being unfamiliar with the signs of Autism.

The faster children with ASD can receive therapy, the better. A great deal of parents of Autistic children felt there was something different with their child’s development at an early stage. You may, as a parent, have to seek more then one physician’s opinion.

Here is a list of Autism symptoms that you should look for:
- Lack of interest in toys
- Spinning objects
- Placing objects in lines
- Content with being alone
- Flapping hands
- Excitement in unusual situations or with different objects
- Lack of affection
- Appear not to be aware of surroundings
- Does not respond to their name
- Unusual sleeping patterns
- Show distress for unexplained reasons
- If verbal, repetitive language (echolalia)
- Resisting change in routine (driving a different way home)
- Displaying outbursts
- Sensitive to textures (clothing, food, etc.)
- Show prolonged interest in one object

It is important to note that not all signs of Autism appear in all Autistic children. The degrees in which they appear may vary as well. As an example, some Autistic children will only eat bland foods while our son prefers foods with some flavor to them. He likes pepperoni on his pizza. As well, he will eat a sub sandwich that contains pepperoni, green peppers, onions and other smoked meats.

The one common thing is that most Autistic children will like only certain foods. A very limited range will occur as a result of it. This can be confused with a picky eater.

Sources: Wiki