INTRODUCTION

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is 3 YEARS OLD.

HISTORY
Latin word Eagan Bleuler- Swiss psychiatrist-1910 Greek word autos(self) Modern sense 1938- Hans AspergerVienna university hsptl

EPIDEMOLOGY
Boys are at higher risk for ASD than girls The risk of Autism is associated with advanced age in either parent and with diabetes, bleeding and use of psychiatric drugs by the mother during pregnancy. The risk is greater with older Fathers than with older Mothers.

OTHER CONDITIONS COMMON IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM ARE:

Genetic disorders Mental retardation Anxiety disorders Epilepsy Metabolic defects Minor physical anomalies Preempted diagnosis Sleep problems

CHARACTERISTICS
Overt symptoms gradually begin after the age of 6 months and will established by 2 years of age. Impairment in social interaction, in communication and restricted interests and repetitive behavior. Other symptoms such as atypical eating

Social development Communication Repetitive behavior

CAUSES
Genetic basis Multigame interactions of common genetic variants. MECHANISMS 2 areas The Pathophysiology of brain structure and processes associated with autism and The Neuropsychological linkages between brain structures and behaviors

SCREENING
About half of parents of children with ASD notice their children unusual behaviors by age 18 months About 4/5th notice by age 24 months

DIAGNOSIS
Autism diagnosis interview-Revisedsemistructured parent interview Autism diagnostic observation scheduleinteraction with the child.

PROGNOSIS
There is NO KNOWN CURE Reported rates in unselected samples of children with ASD have ranged 3%-25%. Most autistic children can acquire Language by age 5 or younger though a few have developed communication skill in later years.

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