Introduction 

Described as a complex developmental disorder, autism is a neurobiological condition that interferes with an individual’s ability to interact and communicate with other people. Most likely a result of abnormal development of the foetus brain, autism is the most common of the group of developmental disorders characterised as autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Other ASD’s include:

§  Asperger Syndrome

§  Rett Syndrome,

§  PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified),

§  Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

 

Autism affects around 0.3 - 0.6% of the population, often diagnosed within the first six months to three years of a child’s life, affecting all racial ethnic and social groups. Four times more likely to occur in males than females, autism characteristically impairs social interaction and is associated with repetitive behaviours, strict routines and limited or unusual activities and interests. 

First diagnosed in the early 1940s, autism ranges in its severity and the way in which it affects each patient. The affects of autism can range from individuals with a very limited capacity to communicate and significantly impaired cognitive ability to individuals with high intellectual capacity and obsessive or highly focused interests or abilities. There is no known cause for this particular disorder and no completely effective treatments, however early behavioural treatment can reduce some of the negative impacts of autism, with programs that place much emphasis on children’s social and cognitive development.

Affecting around 1 in every 150 American children and 1 in every 94 American boys, autism costs the USA between $3.5 and $5million for each of the estimated 1.5 million Americans who suffer from ASDs. Much of this money goes into research, medical and education costs and family support as the quest for understanding the disorder and finding effective treatments continues.