Autism is a severe developmental disability that is usually noted
within the first three years of life. It occurs in 1 of 110 births, exists in
every ethnic group and every part of the world, and is much more common in boys
than girls. Before treatment, youngsters with autism exhibit very uneven
patterns of development. Often, speech is absent or very delayed and children
do not relate to objects, events, or other people in expected ways, nor do they
respond to touch, taste, sight, or sound in the same manner as their typical
peers. Many children exhibit extremely dysfunctional responses, including
stereotypic movements, tantrums, and self-injury.
Although the causes of autism are not yet known, there is some
evidence that there may be multiple causes, such as genetic factors; insults to
brain development (e.g., maternal health problems during pregnancy or problems
during delivery); or parents or children's exposure to toxic chemicals.
Because the etiology of autism is not clearly understood, prevention
is not possible. But a significant body of evidence shows that applied behavior
analysis technology can make a world of difference for people with autism,
especially when treatment begins early.
