Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3 and it impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function.

Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in communication and language, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. They often also have numerous physical ailments which may include allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration disorder, sleeping disorders, and more.

Causes of autism:
In most cases the cause of autism with the nervous system is unknown. Research findings point to strong genetic components that are mostly like, environmental, immunologic, and metabolic factors also influence the development of the disorder. Some causes are as follows:

* There is perhaps no single gene or genetic defect that is responsible for autism and Researchers suspect that there are a number of different genes that, when combined together, increase the risk of getting autism. In families with one child with autism, the risk of having another child with autism is 3-8% due to genetic problems. The concordance of autism in monozygotic twins is 30% and even number of studies have found that first-degree relatives of children with autism also have an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders.

* In some children, autism is connected to an underlying medical condition for examples include metabolic disorders, congenital infections like rubella, genetic disorders like tuberous sclerosis, developmental brain abnormalities, and neurologic disorders acquired after birth. But note that these medical disorders alone do not cause autism as most children with these conditions do not have autism.

* There is a high risk in some families for the cause of autism due to environmental factors and exposures that may also interrelate with genetic factors. Over time, many different theories have been proposed about what causes autism. Some of these theories are no longer accepted, however.

* Emotional trauma: Some theories like emotional trauma at an early age are believed to be especially bad parenting and it was blamed but now this theory has been rejected.

* Vaccines: Although the mercury preservative used in some vaccines is known to be neurotoxic people believed there is some link with vaccines and autism. But the most recent research on this subject does not suggest any specific link between vaccines and autism.

Some important points to be remembered for Autistic spectrum disorder:
If your child has been diagnosed of having autism, autistic tendencies and features or even you may suspect autism then this will be a very difficult time.

* During this situation remember that it is not your fault and it has nothing whatsoever to do with how a child is brought up. Parents of children with autism are just like everyone else and each one's behavior, including your child's will be unique but there are some underlying common problems which bond the whole group of autistic people together.

* Although there is no known cause or cure for autism but an huge amount can be done to bring out the best in your child to enable them to live as happy as possible. Early diagnosis is very important if they are able to achieve their full potential, only when their disability is understood and they can be helped to maximize skills and minimize problems.

* Children with autism have widely differing educational needs so many different options are required to meet them and their needs. They are educated in a variety of establishments including ordinary mainstream schools, special schools for autistic children, schools for children with moderate or severe learning difficulties, and schools for speech, language and communications disorders where some of these may be residential. And hence it is important that your child's skills and needs are assessed as a means of deciding on the most appropriate form of education they require.

* Parents have an important role to play in the educational assessment. You should always ensure that the special needs of your child are recognized and these needs meet too. Remember that your child is a part of your family and never compare him/her with his brothers or sisters who are not autism. Give him that importance how others are given.

* At last parents are the one who take the role of educator sometimes with general public or sometimes with professionals such as doctors, teachers, psychologist, etc. Sometimes you turn out to be the best expert after all it’s your child.