Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain and interferes with normal development of verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction and sensory development. This disability typically occurs within the first three years of life. Individuals with autism may exhibit any or all of the characteristics and behaviors listed below in any combination, ranging from mild to severe. 1. May avoid eye contact. 2. Lack of spontaneous seeking to share interests or enjoyment with others. 3. May prefer to be alone. 4. Delay or total lack of spoken language (without compensating with gestures). 5. Echoes words or phrases. 6. Difficulty in interacting with others. 7. Spins objects or self. 8. Insistence on sameness. 9. Interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus. 10. Inappropriate attachments to objects. 11. Inappropriate laughing response or no response to sound. 12. May not want cuddling. 13. Inappropriate response or no response to sound. 14. No real fear of dangers. 15. Apparent insensitivity to pain. 16. Sustained unusual or repetitive play; uneven physical or verbal skills. Autism is a national crisis affecting between 500,000 to 1,500,000 families. According to recent studies as many as 1 in every 150 children born today will be on the autistic spectrum. This disorder is the third most common developmental disorder, more common than Down Syndrome. Although presently there is no common cause or cure for autism, early intensive intervention and therapy has proven beneficial.