Autism is one of the pervasive developmental disorders, that is generally observed within the first 3 years of a child’s life. Individuals with autism are characterized by serious deficits in the areas of nonverbal and verbal communication, social skill development, and age-appropriate play skills. In addition, children with autism often display unusual and dysfunctional patterns of behavior. These unusual behaviors further prevent the individual with autism from interacting with, and learning from, others around him/her. Current statistics from the Center for Disease Control suggest the occurrence of autism is now 1 in 110 births; it is more prevalent in boys than girls, and exists in all ethnic, racial, and social groups. Although, historically, children with autism were destined to a life of loneliness and complete dependence on others, this is no longer true. Research has documented that intensive behavioral intervention at an early age leads to significant and long-lasting change in the lives of individuals with autism.
