Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, which causes the brain to function differently. Autism is often characterized by social and communication impairments, as well as restricted and ritualistic behaviors and motor difficulties. “According to the DSM IV (TR) autism is characterized by markedly abnormal or impaired social interactions/communications with deficits in: eye contact/body language; peer relationships/friendships; language/speech etc.” (Badcock 2010). This makes it very difficult for individuals to relate to the outside world, which can lead individuals to be aggressive and even self-harming in extreme cases. All of this makes it very difficult for people on the autism spectrum to relate to the rest of the outside world. “Second set of DSM IV criteria for autism: restricted repertoire of activities and interests: stereotype/repetitive behavior; abnormally limited or intense interests; insistence on routines/rituals, concern with parts/details” (Badcock 2010). This is why people with autism can spend hours talking about one of their interests even if the person they are talking to has no interest in the topic and explains the typical stereotype of rocking or flapping as a movement constant. The exact cause of autism is unknown. Many theories have been proposed, but none have been proven. One theory is that autism is caused by an overload of vaccines given to a child at the same time or when the child was mildly ill. This theory has been disproven, but people continue to blame vaccines. Another popular theory is that autism is caused by the inability to process gluten. This theory is more credible because many individuals with autism suffer from gastrointestinal disorders... middle of paper... it's its culture. Retrieved from http://www.autreat.comTebartz van Elst, L. (2013). High-functioning autism spectrum disorder as a core disorder in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy: Psychopathological presentation, clinical relevance, and therapeutic concepts. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 263189-196. DOI 10.1007/s00406-013-0459-3Wong, Y. & Kwok, N. (December 2013). Effectiveness of a workplace training program in improving social communication and emotional skills for adults with autism and intellectual disability in Hong Kong: a pilot study. International Occupational Therapy.198-204. DOI: 10.1002/oti:1356Zanolli, K., Daggett, J., & Adams, T. (1996). Teaching autistic preschool children to make spontaneous initiations to peers using priming. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 26(4), 407-422. DOI: 10.1007/BF02172826