What is Autism Autism is considered a developmental disorder in which sensory messages are impaired. People with autism have difficulties in communication, social behaviour and perception of the world we live in. Autism is present at birth and the characteristics become evident in the first three years. Parents are often aware of early signs in their child's lack of communication, play and in their limited responses to love and affection. Autism was first described by Leo Kanner in 1943.
Autism occurs in approximately one in one thousand people.
There are four times as many males diagnosed with autism as females. Each person with autism is different in many ways from others with the same diagnosis. Autism may present in varying degrees from very mild to severe. Some people with autism can perform well in particular areas. These skills are sometimes called islet of intelligence.