Autism

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ting in early childhood characterized by marked abnormalities in communication and social interactions and a restricted and socially atypical range of interests (Ohio State, 2002, p.1). It was first described in 1943 by American psychiatrist Leo Kanner, as a disorder that affects the ability of communication of the individual. Autistic children can not interact with others neither maintain normal contact with them. It is often referred to, as a spectrum disorder, which means that symptoms can appear differently among persons and with different degrees of severity. A number of other disorders may include characteristics of autism. There is the “fragile X” syndrome, which results from a defection of the chromosome X. There is also the “Asperger’s disorder” as well as the “Rett’s disorder”, which each has different effects on the autistic individuals (Waltz, 2002, pp.1-4).
Until our day, the real cause of autism is still unknown. However, some hypotheses refer the causes to genetic abnormalities, obstetric complications and even to exposure to toxic agents and natal infections. In addition, if the mother gets the rubella during pregnancy, it is most probable that the child may be autistic (Brasic, 2002, p.1). On the other hand, some scientists consider it as a psychological disorder caused by traumatic experience that forced the child...