What is autism? “Autism is a potentially serious neurological condition that affects social functioning, communication skills, reasoning and behavior. It is considered a “spectrum disorder,” meaning that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present in a variety of combinations, ranging from extremely mild to quite severe" (Fergus 2002 par.1). Autism was first reported in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner of John Hopkins University. Dr. Leo Kanner based his theory on 11 children who showed signs of withdrawal from human contact, starting at age 1 between 1938 and 1943. In the 1940s, research on autism was so rare and this was a new case, according to Dr. Leo Kanner attributed the disability to schizophrenia, which the parents thought was their fault. In the 1960s, knowledge about autism and its treatments became clear. (Edelson Para. 8) Having the basic history of autism will allow people to understand where and how Dr. Leo Kanner came across the disability. Some people have never heard of autism and the treatments needed to help someone with autism. The three main points that will be discussed are treatment, prognosis and quality of life. Having a child with autism can make life difficult, but with therapy and treatment children with autism can become what society calls normal. With a child diagnosed with autism, this sets the wheels in motion for what they will need to do next. The diagnosis of autism is based on IQ tests and observations; this will introduce any needs the child may have. Because doctors look at children with autism and evaluate how severe each child may be. Depending on the severity of the children depends on the course of treatment...... middle of paper ......risk factorsAutism Research Institute. (2008). What is autism? Retrieved August 29, 2008, from the Autism Research Institute: http://www.autism.com/autism/index.htm-Autism Society of America. (n.d.). Unique needs and abilities. Retrieved August 29, 2008, from Autism Society of America: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=life_edu_uniqueAutism Spectrum Disorder program. (2000) Wichita State University. Retrieved September 20, 2008, from http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=vbain&p=/AutismSpectrumClinic/Pediatrics (October 2005): 54(10). General OneFile. Storm. Apollo Library. Retrieved September 20, 2008, from .American Health Line. (2007). Pediatrics: reports on autism. Retrieved September 20, 2008, from the University of Phoenix Library. Lee LC (2007) Quality of life. Retrieved September 20, 2008, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez