Victor, the first child with autism described in the literature by Jean Itard in 1800

Autism is the name for a group of neuro- (brain) developmental disabilities. Autism symptoms are due to differences in the way the child’s brain has developed. The term “autism” is often used interchangeably with “autism spectrum disorders” (ASDs). Children with ASDs have limitations in communication, social understanding and social skills and they tend to engage in repetitive behavioral routines that serve no practical purpose and have narrow, highly focused interests. Because nearly all cognitive, language and social domains are affected, autism is called a Pervasive Developmental Disorder. ASDs occur between 1 in 150, and 1 in 300 children in the US.