Autistic children can and do smile, laugh, and can be extremely happy. Children with autism do not want friends. In the example with my three children, my oldest, Michael, is content to be by himself a lot, who has some friends, but feels little need to socialize with them. Whereas his sister, Renee, has a strong desire to have friends, and this is very important to her. Also, my youngest, Nathaniel, though starting and maintaining friendships are difficult for him at times, having friends are important to him.
Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.
It is not a mental illness. Cold, unemotional parents do not cause it. No one can cause autism. No one can become autistic because of an emotional problem. Armed with the knowledge of the realities of autism, we are better prepared to handle life with our autistic children.