Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. It is one of three recognized disorders in the autism spectrum (ASDs), the other two being Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (commonly abbreviated as PDD-NOS), which is diagnosed when the full set of criteria for autism or Asperger syndrome are not met. Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by rare mutations, or by rare combinations of common genetic variants. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes, such as heavy metals,pesticides or childhood vaccines; the vaccine hypotheses are biologically implausible and lack convincing scientific evidence. The prevalence of autism is about 1–2 per 1,000 people; the prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000, with about four times as many males as females. The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. The signs usually develop gradually, but some autistic children first develop more normally and then regress. Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help autistic children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful. An autistic culturehas developed, with some individuals seeking a cure and others believing autism should be accepted as a difference and not treated as a disorder
Headlines Around the Web
Autism Doctors Move Step Closer to Overhauling Diagnosis Rules
Jan 20 - Business Week
Scene Last Night: Adam Sandler Menorah, Jim Simons, Seth Meyers
Dec 06 - Business Week
British teen bailed over hacking claims
Jun 27 - France24
British hacker refused bail, diagnosed with autism
Jun 25 - France24
Spontaneous gene mutations cause autism: studies
Jun 08 - France24
Autism awareness scant as crisis mounts: hearing
May 31 - France24
Fund manager joins fight against autism
Apr 26 - CNN Money
Study Tying Vaccine to Autism Was ‘Fraud’
Jan 06, 2011 - Business Week
Autism-MMR vaccine study was an 'elaborate fraud'
Jan 06, 2011 - France24
Autism-vaccine study was a 'fraud', journal says
Jan 05, 2011 - France24
Jaundice newborns prone to develop autism: study
Oct 11, 2010 - France24
Toddlers immune to 'contagious' yawning: study
Sep 15, 2010 - France24
Scientists find misfolded neural protein linked to autism
Sep 11, 2010 - Business Standard
British scientists develop brain scan to detect autism
Aug 10, 2010 - France24
Articles About Autism
The Need for More Protection for Home Care Workers
By Women's eNews
Elder-care jobs are booming as the U.S. population ages. A rule to extend federal wage protections to this predominantly female work force is in public comment stage; advocates push five reforms; one for each finger of a caring hand. (9:37 pm)
MORE TOPICS: CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK, AGING
New Labor Ruling for U.S. Home Care Workers
By IBTimes AU
The Department of Labor is now undergoing a public comment period up until the end of February concerning a new rule which tackles wage protections to two groups that are predominantly female: casual babysitters and companions for the elderly and infirmed. (Feb 20)
MORE TOPICS: CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK, AGING
New Theory Explains Face Recognition Barriers in Autism
By IBTimes AU
Face recognition is something that people have difficulty with. For people with autism, the process of face recognition is much harder to do. (Feb 19)
MORE TOPICS: MEXICO
Autism Detection as Early as 6 Months Old, Study Finds
By IBTimes
Children who will develop autism show differences in their brain's development as early as 6 months of age, a new study found. (Feb 17)
Carnosine Becomes Latest Supplement Craze: What is the Compound?
By IBTimes
Carnosine has become the latest craze in supplements - long used by bodybuilders seeking to increase strength and size, the nutraceutical also is used by people looking to stave off dementia and visible signs of aging. (Feb 16)
MORE TOPICS: NESTLE, RETAIL, AGING, BIPOLAR DISORDER, BODYBUILDING
Jenny McCarthy Gets Talk Show on VH1
By IBTimes
It seems that VH1 is destined to break the record for most celeb reality shows crammed into one network! It was announced today that sexpot/funny woman Jenny McCarthy will star in a new series called 'The Jenny McCarthy Show'. (Feb 15)
The First International Conference on Autism: 'Accepting Difference'
By IBTimes AU
To enlighten parents facing the challenge of raising an autistic child, the first international conference on autism will be held in Muscat on March 21, 2012. (Feb 14)
MORE TOPICS: MANAGEMENT
Researchers Create Cerebral Cortex Cells, May Lead the Way to Alzheimer’s Cure
By IBTimes AU
Researchers from Cambridge University successfully created brain tissue from a sliver of human skin. The breakthrough could lead to a cure for a wide range of neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, stroke and autism. (Feb 14)
MORE TOPICS: AUSTRALIA
British Scientists Create Brain Cells from Human Skin
By IBTimes UK
A moment of innovative thinking by researchers at the University of Cambridge may pave the way for exploring into and discovering new treatment for diseases like autism and Alzheimer's. (Feb 12)
Jenny McCarthy and Tim Tebow: Match Made in Heaven?
By IBTimes
Rosie O'Donnell thinks the Playboy centerfold and the Christian football star "would be perfect together." (Feb 10)
MORE TOPICS: SUPER BOWL
