It is the third most common disability. This means that it is more common that Down's Syndrome. It is four times more common in boys than in girls. Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in areas of social interaction and communication skills. People with autism have difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and leisure or play activities.
Autism makes it hard for people to communicate with others and difficult to relate to the world.
There over half a million people with autism in the U.S. today. Yes, there are a few related disorders. This is a form of mental retardation. Fifteen percent of these people exhibit symptoms or autism. They often have a language delay, poor eye contact, hyperactivity, and hand flapping.