Their professional experience told them something was awry. They had Christopher evaluated. Autism is a neurological disorder considered pervasive because it affects language, cognitive and emotional behavior, and fine and gross motor skills. Once considered rare, autism cases have increased dramatically over the past 20 years. N.J. Autism is a lifelong disability for which there is no known cure.
Researchers are at a loss to explain the increase.
Little in the Morseons' backgrounds prepared them for the devastation of their son's diagnosis. They immediately threw themselves into finding help for Christopher. They used a technique called applied behavioral analysis, a system of teaching skills to autistic children by using simple commands and rewards. It is painstaking work that requires constant repetition. Each time a child performs a simple task, he or she is rewarded with a treat.