Autism is a developmental disorder that affects children in three areas: social interactions, communication, and repetitive behavior. Autism has a strong genetic basis; however, it is unclear which mutations cause the disorder. The prevalence rate has been reported as 1 per 150 births and it is four times more common in males than females. Signs and symptoms of autism can present during early infancy, however, the diagnosis can be delayed due to varying degrees of presentation per child or an initial normal presentation with regression during later years. Autism Spectrum Disorders also includes Asperger's which is similar to autism except individuals with Asperger’s generally do not have language or cognitive delays.

Early diagnosis is important as early intervention with various modalities such as Applied Behavioral Analysis, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy has been shown to be beneficial. Biomedical treatments are also offering different methods of treatment and a possibility of recovery from such a complex disorder.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders include but are not limited to:

• Resistance to change
• Difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures or pointing instead of words
• Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
• Tantrums
• Obsessive attachment to objects
• Difficulty interacting with others, especially with peers
• Not wanting to be touched or cuddled
• Little or no eye contact
• Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
• Sustained odd play
• Spinning objects
• Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
• No real fears of danger
• Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
• Uneven gross/fine motor skills
• Non-responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf, although hearing tests in normal range
• Hand flapping