Autism has become a major disability in California's developmental system. Today, the increase in autism is increasing by 10-17% every year. (Madeleine 3) “The disease was first identified by child psychologist Leo Kanner in 1943 at Johns Hopkins University” (Little 2). Autism is a disorder that is usually detected within the first three years. According to the Autism Society of America, 1 in 166 individuals are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Boys are four times more likely to suffer from it than girls. People with autism have difficulty communicating verbally and physically. They have special ways of gathering and reacting to information presented to them. Sometimes people with autism can display violent behavior. Characteristics of autism include: avoiding eye contact, preferring to be alone, rejecting change, obsessive attachment to objects, and not wanting any physical contact. The main question asked and cannot be answered is: What causes autism? “There is no single known cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in the structure or function of the brain” (Berry 1). Studies have shown that there are differences in the shape and structure of the brain compared to non-autistic individuals. Parents blamed vaccines, however this theory has not been proven. Other theories researchers are examining include a connection to heredity, genetics and medical problems. While there is no cure for autism, there are numerous treatments and educational approaches that reduce and improve behaviors associated with this disability. Starting treatment at an early age gives the child a better chance of achieving normal behavior...... middle of paper......Linda. “Consider genetic disease.” Clinical Psychiatry News 33.8 (August 2005): 51(1). InfoTrac OneFile. Thomson Gale. Santa Chiara Library. Retrieved January 12, 2007, from Marohn, Stephanie. The natural medicine guide for autism. Charlottesville, Virginia: Hampton Roads Pub., 2002.Nash, Madeleine. “The secrets of autism”. Time, May 6, 2002. Thomson Gale. Santa Clara City Library. Retrieved January 9, 2007, from Pericak, Margaret. “Discovering the genetics of autism”. United States today. (January 2003): 56(2) InfoTrac OneFile. Thomson Gale. Santa Chiara Library. Retrieved January 12, 2007, from Powers, Michael. Children with autism: a guide for parents. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House, 2000. Ritvo, Edward. Understanding the nature of autism and Asperger's disorder. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2006.Siegel, Bryna. Helping children with autism learn: Therapeutic approaches