Changes

[[File:Autismbrain.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Autism affects the [[amygdala]], [[cerebellum]], and multiple other parts of the brain.]]

[[File:Autismbrain.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Autism affects the [[amygdala]], [[cerebellum]], and multiple other parts of the brain.]]

'''Autism''' is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, especially pragmatic language; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2</ref> It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.<ref>Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK</ref>  The term '''autism''' was first used in 1912.  

'''Autism''' is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, '''especially [[pragmatic]] language'''; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2</ref> It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.<ref>Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK</ref>  The term '''autism''' was first used in 1912.  

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,<ref>https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm</ref> and it has been rising.  Four times as many boys suffer from autism as girls.<ref name="Clinic Stats">http://www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/autism.htm</ref>  Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder.  In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected.  There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.<ref name="Clinic Stats"/>

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,<ref>https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm</ref> and it has been rising.  Four times as many boys suffer from autism as girls.<ref name="Clinic Stats">http://www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/autism.htm</ref>  Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder.  In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected.  There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.<ref name="Clinic Stats"/>