What Is Autism?

Many people wonder, "What is autism?" Autism is a brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive or severely limited activities and interests. Sometimes called "classical autism," autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

What Is Autism? -- An Overview

Autism (sometimes called "classical autism") is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders.
 
Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests.
 
 
Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.
 
(Click Autism Statistics for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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