The cause of autism is still unknown. Some research suggests a physical problem affecting those parts of the brain that process language and information coming in from the senses. There may be some imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Genetic factors may sometimes be involved. No factors in the psychological environment of the child cause autism.
Autism is one of the four major developmental disabilities.
It occurs in one to two of every 1000 births. There are approximately 10,000 people with autism in North Carolina. Autism is distributed throughout the world among all races, nationalities, and social classes. Four of every five people with autism are male. Individuals with autism have extreme difficulty in learning language and social skills and in relating to people.