AUTISM IS a term that refers to a collection of neurologically-based developmental disorders in which individuals have impairments in social interaction and communication skills, along with a tendency to have repetitive behaviours or interests.
The severity of autism varies greatly, from individuals with little speech and poor daily living skills, to others who function well in most settings. Autism is typically diagnosed during the toddler or pre-school years, although some children are diagnosed at older ages.
It has been reported that about 20 per cent of children with autism experience a "regression;" that is, they have apparently normal development followed by a loss of communication and social skills.
Boys are three to four times more likely to have autism than girls. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. A variety of factors could be associated with some forms of autism, including infectious, metabolic, genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.
Genetic factors and brain abnormalities at birth are considered to be some of the most recognised causes of autism.
For more information : National Immunisation Programme, http://www.cdc.gov/nip/
vacsafe/concerns/autism/
