What Is Autism? Learn the Signs of Autism and More

Autism 101: From Recognizing the Earliest Signs to Getting a Diagnosis, Here's the Information You Need

Whether you're concerned about your own child's development or know a child with an autism spectrum disorder, here's what you need to know (17 Photos)

Dina Roth Port on Apr 19, 2012 at 3:58PM

chime in now

Single View
View All

Answers to the 16 Most Common Questions About Autism

Tobi Corney/Getty

a Dina Roth Port on Apr 13, 2012 at 2:52PM

Today 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with autism, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whether you've wondered about your own child's development or know another child who is affected by autism, here's what you need to know about this increasingly common disorder.

What Is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental brain disorder that affects a person's behavior, social skills and communication. Symptoms usually manifest before age 3 and can cause delays in many areas of development to varying degrees. Autism is one of the conditions classified as a 'Pervasive Developmental Disorder,' along with Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). These disorders are all characterized by impairments in many fundamental skills, especially those involving communication and social interaction.