Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by social interaction impairment, delay in language acquisition, and stereotyped and repetitive behavior. The disorder was brilliantly described in 1943 by the Austrian physician, researcher, and professor at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Leo Kanner.

Usually autism is identified around the age of 2. Parents tend to look for help with a pediatrician since they are worried that their child still does not speak, resists parental care, and does not interact with other people.

Babies with autism present enormous deficit in social behavior, they tend to avoid eye contact and seem to be have very little interest for the human voice. They do not stretch their arms in anticipation to being lifted by their parents. They are indifferent regarding affection and do not show facial signs when caressed.

These children do not follow their parents around the house and show no signs of anxiety for being away from them. They show no interest in playing with family members and other children, nor in playing games and group activities. Their actions might be limited to repetitive and stereotyped acts, such as smelling and licking objects or clapping hands and moving head and body back and forth. The interest for toys may be peculiar. For example, the child might be interested in the circular movement of a wheel in a toy or the noise made by the wheel itself. These alterations are related to unusual responses to different sensorial situations experienced by the child. One might be fascinated by lights, sounds and movements that call his/her attention. An example of this would be a ceiling or even a blender. The texture, smell, taste, shapes or even color of an object can trigger a peculiar interest in a child.

An autistic patient might be disturbed by small changes in his daily routine which might result in violent rage attacks. Generally almost all autistic children resist in learning or practicing a new activity.

Autistic adolescents may develop obsessive symptoms, such as ideas of contamination and also display compulsive and ritualistic behavior, such as repetitive touching of a certain personal object, rituals of washing, and repeating of questions, among others.

The causes for child autism remain unknown. Nonetheless, several studies indicate genetic factors to be connected with the disorder. Changes in brain structure, immunologic, neurological, and biochemical factors, as well as congenital factors, such as German measles (Rubella), encephalitis and meningitis can predispose a child to autism.