Facts about autism

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It is caused by a physical disorder of the brain.

Symptoms include difficulty developing physical, social and language skills and normal responses to pain, hearing, touch, smell, taste, sight.

Diagnoses are made by observing a child and by interviewing family members; there are no medical tests.

It can range from mild to severe. While autism may also include conditions such as mental retardation, epilepsy, blindness or cerebral palsy, some who have it can drive, work and lead relatively normal lives.

It's treatable, though never outgrown.

Treatments vary but usually focus on independent living skills, communication and social skills.

Early diagnosis and intervention are vital to a child's development.

High-functioning individuals with autism who have a normal IQ but some symptoms of the disorder are sometimes diagnosed as having Asperger syndrome. There is debate, though, about whether Asperger syndrome should be considered a form of autism.

For more information: Autism Society of America, www.autism-society.org

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