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NINDS Autism Information Page Reviewed 07-01-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Autism?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations Related NINDS Publications and Information What is Autism? Autism is classified as one of the pervasive developmental disorders of the brain. It is not a disease. People with classical autism show three types of symptoms: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. These symptoms can vary in severity. In addition, people with autism often have abnormal responses to sounds, touch, or other sensory stimulation. Symptoms usually appear during the first three years of childhood and continue through life. Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to this increased susceptibility. In some children, environmental factors also may play a role. Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain which suggest that autism results from a disruption of early fetal brain development. Autism affects an estimated 10 to 20 of every 10,000 people, depending on diagnostic criteria used, and strikes males about four times more often than females. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? The NINDS is a member of the US Department of Health and Human Services Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). For additional information developed by member organizations, including booklets, factsheets, summaries, and information about clinical research, please visit the IACC site at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/autismiacc/index.cfm Select this link to view a list of all studies currently seeking patients.Autism Research Institute (ARI)
Autism Society of America
National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR)
National Autism Hotline
Autism National Committee (AUTCOM)
Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation
MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger's, and PDD
Autism Network International (ANI)
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (NICHD)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities Related NINDS Publications and Information
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated. Provided by: | |||||
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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