Autism is a behavior disease that controls the mind; it manifests itself at an early age. It impairs communication and social skills. "It encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders that range from mild to severe," (AUTISMINFO.com). To quote Dr. Temple Grandin, "Autistics live in their `own world.' Highly functioning autistics live in two worlds; `their world' and the `outside world'." Many autistics describe their world as thinking in pictures.

Autism is not a progressive disorder. Although it manifests itself at an early age, it doesn't worsen as a child ages (WebofCare.com). However, autism isn't a condition a child will grow out of. "Autism doesn't occur because of inadequate parenting. The causes of autism are unknown, therefore prevention isn't possible" (Autism: Basic Information 9).

Dr. Leo Kanzer, a child psychologist at John Hopkins Med

Stewart, Mark A. Raising a Hyperactive Child. Random House, 1970.

Web of Care. Online. Internet. 22 Feb. 2000. Available http://www.webofcare?section=cs.plate=whatis.htlm

Many autistics are considered obsessive compulsive (COSAC). They tend to line up or stack objects despite the fact that their uneven motors skills can prevent strait lines or columns. They have also been known to become inappropriately attached to material objects (Hyde 134) such as eating utensils.

Sandler, Adrian D. "Lack of Benefit of a Single Does of Synthetic Human Secretin in the Treatment of Autism." The New England Journal of Medicine (1999): 24

Autism Home Page. Online Internet. 22 Feb. 2000. Available http://www.gatetech.edu/users/bmiddlebrook.html

Because autism is rare, many professionals have not observed enough cases to be able to recognize the often-subtle distinctions between autism and similar disorders; moreover, the relationship between autism and mental retardation has been a source of confusion for several decades. Autistics may have intellectual impairments that resemble mental retardation; however, they may have intellectual strengths.

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Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)