Autism is a developmental disability, not a mental illness, that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects 15 of every 10,000 individuals. No one is certain why it occurs, but researchers have found that MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans of people with autism show abnormalities in the structure of the brain. Significant abnormalities include differences in the cerebellum and in the size and number of Purkinje cells within the brain. Sometimes there is a pattern that exists within families from generation to generation. This indicates the possibility that autism is genetically related. However, no gene has been found.

Every person with autism is different and there is no set type or typical person with autism. This is because autism is

Quinn, Colleen, Brenda Swaggart, et al. "Implementing Cognitive Behavior Management Programs for Persons with Autism: Guidelines for Practitioners." Focus on Autistic Behavior 9 (1994) : 1-14.

Behavioral training or modification, as it is also called, deals with changing or extinguishing inappropriate behaviors and increasing positive behaviors. A few methods are used to do this. One way is self-management where the individual monitors their behavior and receives self-reinforcement. Another method used is modeling. This is when the teacher or therapist demonstrates what is being done so the child can "model" the steps. Behavioral training is effective in stopping self-inflicted pain by shaping and distributing positive reinforcement.

Food allergies and sensitivities have been shown to produce a variety of symptoms associated with autism (Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities 1). It appears that children with autism benefit from diets that are free of gluten and casein. This is possibly because the inability to adequately process these substances can result in disorders such as postpartum psychosis, schizophrenia, and autism (Reichelt & Landmark, 1994). When these processes are not properly metabolized a short chain of amino acids results. They may become active, and behaviors associated with autism result. A small portion of them will cross into the brain causing interference with the signals that account for normal activities. Also many vitamins and minerals have proven to be effective in treating certain behaviors in children with autism because they do not get enough essential nutrients.

Adams, Lynn, and Susan Conn. "Nutrition and its Relation

Some common words found in the essay are:
Resonance Imaging, Reichelt Landmark, Society America, Developmental Disabilities, Down's Syndrome, , Online Internet, Mental Retardation, Autistic Behavior, Health Letter, children autism, person autism, communication social, behavioral training, autism developmental, social skills, focus autism developmental, social situations, people autism, autism society, autism developmental disabilities, self-inflicted pain, communication social skills, autism society america, teaching communication social,
Approximate Word count = 1142
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)