It is diagnosed in about two to four of every 10,000 children, although some behaviors can be found in up to one in 500. The exact cause of the neurological disorder is unknown. Often, autistic children are normal for the first few months of life before becoming increasingly unresponsive. The child is indifferent to others, may be extremely resistant to change, and may become attached to unusual objects or obsessed with a topic or idea. Robotic or immature speech is common, and there may be other abnormal behaviors such as rocking or twiddling fingers for hours on end.
Treatment is limited.
Behavior therapy may help certain behaviors. Medication may be useful for specific problems. Most children need special care, sometimes in an institution.