Autism spectrum disorder [ASD] is a mental condition in which the brain does not develop in a manner considered normal. People with autism have difficulty interacting, communicating, and forming relationships with others. They struggle not only with language and complex concepts, but also with the difference between reality and fantasy. Additionally, autistic people often engage in repetitive activities and are generally hypersensitive or lacking in sensitivity. Autism spectrum disorder has many branches or types, each branch of autism has its own symptoms and causes, but all branches are extremely similar. There is no known single cause for autism that has yet been identified, so there are likely many different causes of autism rather than just one. The combination of genetic abnormalities and environmental factors is the most likely cause of autism that research has identified to date. Additionally, autism is believed to be caused by a genetic abnormality as it tends to be hereditary. Other signs of a genetic link to autism include an increased frequency of chromosomal abnormalities, brain deficiencies and language difficulties, which appear to be prevalent in families of autistic children. Combinations of genetic factors are likely also linked to environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and metals. It is not yet known what causes ASD in a person. However, extensive research is underway to try to find out more. At this stage, it is believed to result from changes in brain development which can be caused by a range of factors such as: environmental and genetic factors. It's not clear what causes autism, but genetic and environmental factors play a role. The causes of autism can be divided... middle of paper ... although some may need special support and depend on family and friends, others lead relatively normal lives. Kaiden is four and a half years old. boy who was first diagnosed with global developmental delay at 14 months old. Around the age of five months his mother noticed something different about him, at the age of one she started to worry but the doctors said everything was fine and eventually at age When he was four years old, he was diagnosed with ASD and turned out to be autistic. Kaiden has no verbal communication skills and does not show or signal. He also suffers from epilepsy and is approximately 15 months old. Kaiden has difficulty making friends and getting along with other children because he tends to headbutt, kick, bite, scream, and pinch. No one knows what the future holds for Kaiden, he's just another victim of autism and this is his heartbreaking journey..