The word “autism” or “autistic” comes from the Greek word “autos” which means “self”. Leo Kanner used the term “autistic” in 1943 to describe 19 children who were qualitatively different from children diagnosed with childhood schizophrenia. (Cipani, 2011) Autism is also known as pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) occurs when a child has severe qualitative impairment in reciprocal social interaction and communication skills and a range limited activities and interests. (APA, 2000). Specifically, the child with autism does not appear to have the intuitive ability to socialize, has difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, and demonstrates a tendency to engage in unusual interests and ways of playing. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Autism is a biological disorder neurological condition that is usually diagnosed before the age of three. Three distinct criteria, often referred to as the triad of impairments, are used to diagnose autism. These criteria include 1) “qualitative impairment in social interaction 2) qualitative impairment in communication 3) restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior (DSM-IV, 2000) Scientific evidence suggests that various factors, both genetic and environmental, contribute to the onset of autism spectrum disorders by influencing early brain development. (WHO, 2013) Early signs of autism, such as sleep disturbances and feeding problems, may go unnoticed, as they are typical for many children in the first year of life. Gradually parents have difficulty comforting the child, who may not even be attracted to social activities, preferring to play alone and not point to the objects he wants to be noticed. The child does not pay attention and gives importance to the goals rather than the man. While excited, a child may literally jump for joy or have an unusual way of expressing pleasure with characteristic clapping and a contorted facial expression. Autism is four times more common in boys than in girls. Every day, 53 children are born in the United States who will later be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Autism Society of America, 2008). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated autism as a national public health problem whose cause and cure remain unknown. Autism is one of the spectrum of behaviorally defined “pervasive developmental disorders” and commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors cause permanent impairments and disabilities. ASD has been reported to affect up to 1 in 88 children in the United States. Reported prevalence rates have increased dramatically over the past two decades, although little is known about this increase. Epidemiological investigations in adult populations suggest that the apparent increase in the number of affected children may not represent a true increase in prevalence rates. However, it is assumed that broader definitions, growing awareness and diagnostic replacement may contribute to the apparent increase. Regardless of the cause, current prevalence estimates that there are more than 2 million people with ASD in the United States. To date, no preventative strategy has demonstrated consistent benefits and no treatment has proven to be widely effective in treating the core symptoms of ASD. As a result, ASD causes lifelong disabilities for those affected and significant burdens on their families,.