http://www.svsu.edu/emplibrary/wendybuse_braun03.pdfAutism is a lifelong disability affecting nearly 1 in 250 childrenborn in the world today. With the diagnosis of autism reachingepidemic proportions, it is important that accurate information is madeavailable to anyone who will be working with, living with, or loving aperson with autism. And let's face it, with numbers as small as these,it is becoming more likely than not that each and every one of us willbe touched by a person with autism in our lifetime.It is with this in mind that I assembled my PowerPointPresentation. It is a comprehensive presentation that includesstatistics, symptoms, causes, and treatments regarding the subject ofautism, as well as providing a brief glimpse into the life of a childwith autism. The following is a synopsis of what you will find in thispresentation:DEFINITION Autism is a complex developmental disability that typicallyappears during the first three years of life. It impacts thenormal development of the brain in the areas of socialinteraction and communication skills. It is a spectrum disorder,meaning that the symptoms and characteristics can presentthemselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild tosevere.(Autism Society of America) Autism is widely recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder thataffects the functioning of the brain. It is not a behavioral,emotional or conduct disorder. It is not a mental illness.There are no medical tests that can be used to diagnose autism.(Shriver, 1999)STATISTICS 1 in 1000 individuals are diagnosed with "classic" autism. 1 in 500 individuals are diagnosed within the autism spectrum,including Pervasive Developmental Disorders. 1 in 200 individuals are diagnosed within the autism spectrum,including Pervasive Developmental Disorders and AspergersSyndrome.(Autism Society of Wisconsin)o Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified isthe diagnosis made for children who do not meet thecriteria for a specific diagnosis, but there is a severeand pervasive impairment in specified behaviors.o Asperger's Syndrome (Disorder) is characterized byimpairments in social interactions and the presence ofrestricted interests and activities, with no clinicallysignificant general delay in language, and testing in therange of average to above average intelligence.(Autism Society of America) Every day 53 babies are born in the United States who will laterbe diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. (Autism Society ofWisconsin) Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls. Ithas no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Family income,2lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance ofautism's occurrence. (Autism Society of America) Research shows that 50% of children diagnosed with autism willremain mute throughout their lives.(National Institute of Mental Health) Approximately 10% of autistic individuals have savant abilities.(Edelson) Savant abilities refers extraordinary skillsnot exhibited by most persons.SYMPTOMS The National Institute of Mental Health listed many of thesymptoms that might occur with an autistic individual. Deficitsin the area of communication, social interaction and explorationof environment are the three main areas cited.(National Institute of Mental Health) Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties inverbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, andleisure play or activities. Stereotypic (self-stimulatory)behaviors may be present, and in some cases, aggressive and/orself-injurious behaviors might be present.(Autism Society of America)CAUSES A specific cause of autism is unknown. Current research links autism to biological and neurologicaldifferences in the brain.(Autism Society of America) Studies