Autism spectrum disorder is a condition relating to brain development that impairs how a person perceives and socializes with others. This condition causing people to have problems in social interaction and communication. Spectrum in autism spectrum disorder implies a wide range of symptoms and severity. Autism encompasses conditions such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder. This is why people still use the term “Asperger’s syndrome in reference to mild end of autism. It is interesting to notw that autism begins in early childhood and eventually causes problems functioning in society including school and at work. Children with autism odten show symptoms within the first year. However, a small percentage of children develop normally in the first year, and then go through a period of regression between 18 and 24 months of age when they develop autism symptoms.

The symptoms of autism include reduced eye contact, lack of response to their name or indifference to caregivers. Other children may experience withdrawal or aggression or lose language skills they’ve already acquired. Some children with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty learning, and some have signs of lower than normal intelligence. Repeats words or phrases verbatim, but doesn’t understand how to use them and doesn’t appear to understand simple questions or directions. Although there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of children. MLA

This condition has no single known cause but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and environment. Several different genes appear to be involved in autism including Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. Also, genetic changes or mutations may increase the risk of autism. Some genetic mutations seem to be inherited, while others occur spontaneously. Factors such as viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants are thought to play a role in triggering autism.