Click here target="_blank">Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disability that appears within early developmental stages of life. Autism affects the normal functioning of the brain, communication development as well as social skills of the child.[1] Autism has been regarded as a life-long condition and it cannot be cured. However, severity may decrease through special education and treatments. Males tends to have a higher prevalence than female.[1]

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders I (DISM-I) had not made autism in its own diagnostic criteria.[2] It is only from DSM-II, Autism has placed in a distinct diagnostic category. [3] In DSM-V, Autism has been altered to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).[4]

According to the DSM, Autism is related to a group of conditions that were included collectively in the diagnosis. In order for an individual to be diagnosed with ASD, he/she must meet all the criteria for the impairment of social interaction, communication and at least two signs of repetitive behaviour.[4] An individual whose condition would have previously met the criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) would not be considered as ASD with a lower severity level.