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Introduction to Autism


The Latest on Autism

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)—a type of illness that involves delays in the development of many basic skills. The most notable delay with autism is the ability to socialize or form relationships with others. With autism, there's also a delay in the ability to communicate and to use imagination, including fantasy play.

While most people with autism will always have some trouble relating to others, we know that early diagnosis and treatment have helped more and more people with autism to live independently as adults.




As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

SOURCES: Montes, G. Pediatrics, May 2007; vol. 119: p. 1040–1046. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "Autism Fact Sheet." National Mental Health Information Center: "Children and Adolescents with Autism." National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: "Autism Overview: What We Know," "Autism Research at the NICHD." National Institutes of Health: "Gene linked to autism in families with more than one affected child." CDC: "Vaccines and Autism: Important Conclusions from the Institute of Medicine," "National Immunization Program: MMR vaccine and autism." WebMD Medical Reference: "Understanding Autism: The Basics," "Autism Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and More," "Children with Autism: Coping Skills for Parents," "Dietary and Other Interventions." WebMD Medical News: "Moms of Autistic Kids Cope Well," "Caution Urged for Autism Treatments," "Girls' Autism-Like Symptoms Linked to Vaccines," "Vaccine Benefits, Vaccine Risks." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Autism: Treatment Overview," "Autism: Topic Overview," "Autism: Exams and Tests."