The word “autism” or “autistic” is derived from the Greek word “autos” which means “self”. Leo Kanner used the term "autistic" in 1943 to describe 19 children who were qualitatively different from children diagnosed with childhood schizophrenia. (Cipani, 2011) Autism is also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) occurs when a child has a severe qualitative impairment in reciprocal social interactions and communication skills. communication and a narrow range of activities and interests. (APA, 2000). Specifically, the autistic child does not appear to have the intuitive ability to socialize, has difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, and demonstrates a tendency to engage in unusual interests and ways of play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Autism is a biological neurological disorder that is usually diagnosed before the age of three. Three distinct criteria, often called the triad of impairments, are used to diagnose autism. These criteria include 1) “qualitative impairment in social interactions 2) qualitative deficiencies in communication 3) restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior patterns (DSM-IV, 2000). Scientific evidence suggests that various factors, both genetic and environmental, contribute to the onset of autism spectrum disorders by influencing early brain development. (WHO, 2013) Early signs of autism, such as sleep disturbances and eating problems, may go unnoticed because they are typical of many children during the first year. Little by little, parents find it difficult to comfort the child, who may also not be attracted to social activities, preferring to play alone and who does not point out the objects he wants you to notice. The child does not pay attention and does not give importance to the goals rather than the man. When excited, a child may literally jump for joy or have an unusual way of expressing pleasure through characteristic hand clapping and a contorted facial expression. Autism is four times more common in boys than in girls. Every day, 53 babies are born in the United States who will later be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Autism Society of America, 2008). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared autism a national public health problem whose cause and cure remain unknown. Autism is one of a spectrum of behaviorally defined “pervasive developmental disorders,” commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Social communication deficits and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors lead to lifelong impairments and disability. ASD has been reported to affect up to 1 in 88 children in the United States. Reported prevalence rates have increased dramatically over the past two decades, although little is known about this increase. Epidemiological surveys of adult populations suggest that the apparent increase in the number of affected children may not represent a true increase in prevalence rates. Nonetheless, it is speculated that broadening definitions, growing awareness, and substitution of diagnoses could contribute to this apparent increase. Regardless of the cause, current prevalence estimates that there are more than 2 million people in the United States with ASD. To date, no preventive strategy has demonstrated.