Autism, which is sometimes also referred to Childhood Autism, Early
Infantile Autism, or Kanner's Autism, is caused by some neurological
malfunction that causes marked delays in the development in the areas of
communication and social interaction. Autism is a developmental
disability that often occurs during the first three years of a child's
life. Autism, generally, affects the perception, attention, and thought
of a person, though, it normally occurs at a younger age.
Autism isn't an easy disorder to diagnose. Diagnosing autism is a very
subjective process, though the DSM IV lists specific criteria that must
be met for a formal diagnosis of autism.
Autism has been known as one of the most severe neurological disorders
affecting children for about fifty years, but until recently, it was
considered to be fairly rare, affecting less than one in 1000 people.
According to figures published by the Department of Education, the
incidence of autism and diagnoses of autism have risen a staggering 800%
since 1993....

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