What is Autism? Autism is a biological disorder of the brain that impairs communication and social skills. Some of the markers are as follows: Absence or delay of speech and language: Repetition of words (echolalia) in place of a normal verbal communication. Difficulty relating to other children and adults. Absence of eye contact. Other behaviors: Self-stimulation, spinning, rocking, and hand flapping. Inappropriate laughter or tantrums for no apparent reason. Inappropriate attachment to objects. Obsessive compulsive behaviors i.e. lining up objects. Repetitive odd play for extended periods of time. Insistence on routine and sameness. Difficulty dealing with interruption of routine schedule and change. Possible self injurious behavior or aggressive behavior toward others. Thanks to autisminfo.com 1.5 Million Americans are affected by autism 50 children are diagnosed with autism every day Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. Two decades ago, 14 in 10,000 children suffered from autism and related disorders, a neurological condition that severely affects communication, social and motor skills. Autism occurs in 1 in every 166 births and in a rate of 5 boys to every girl. There's no cure, but therapy and medication allow some to become independent, go to college, get married. Others remain trapped by their symptoms, which can often include self-destructive behaviors like head-banging or hand-flapping. The National Institutes of Health funding for autism research jumped eightfold in the past 10 years, to $81 million in 2003. The following is taken from the official State statistics produced by the Department of Education in the United States, for numbers of children aged 6-21 served by IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Discrimination Act) who have autism. It compares the increase over the nine years between 1992-93 and 2002-03: Individuals Served In School Setting with Autism: 1992-93 1,648 2002-03 8,274 Percent increase 402% For a great graph showing this increase go to Fighting Autism.com US Increase 870% overall