What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological disorder that impairs communication and social skills, which according to the Autism Society of America (ASA) affects as many as 1.5 million American adults and children.

According to these numbers, the ASA estimates that the autism incidence in 2007 was 1 out of every 150 births.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) includes several developmental disorders that affect the way an individual sees and relates to the rest of the world. As a result, affected individuals may have difficulties communicating verbally, reasoning, following directions and showing affection in commonly understood ways such as through physical contact.

Though the symptoms of ASD vary widely in severity, they can include impairment of social interaction, fixation on inanimate objects, the inability to communicate in traditional ways and resistance to changes in daily routines.