The definition of autism is a complex process but it is believed to be a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, limited communication and repetitive behavior. Signs usually appear before age 3. The cause isn't clear, but recent scientific studies believe there is a strong genetic base. Some groups advocate for environmental causes such as heavy metals, pesticides and childhood vaccinations.

Autism occurs four times more in boys than in girls. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders has drastically risen since the 1980’s. Some studies now claim 1-150 children are diagnosed as autistic with occurrence in as many as 1-94 boys. It is unclear if this is due to the different definitions of autism used today, diagnostic practices or if the actual amount of cases has increased.

There has also been an increase in the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. Some parents claim their child seemed different from birth while others say their child developed normally and then later in life, lost skills.

Signs usually are noticed during the first two years of the child’s life. Symptoms can begin around 6 months of age and become established by 2-3 years of age. They usually continue throughout adulthood. Autism is not distinguished by a single symptom, but a group of symptoms that include the following:

Impairments in social interaction

Impairments in communication

Repetitive behaviors

Restricted interests

Atypical eating

Social and communication impairments include a lack of response to social stimuli, lack of smiling or eye contact and not responding to one’s name. Other characteristics are lack of pretend play, lack of imitation, inability to sustain conversation, aloofness and acting like they don’t seem to hear.

Repetitive behaviors are called stereotypy and involve repeated movement such as hand flapping, making sounds, head rolling and body rocking. Compulsive behavior involves arranging objects or toys in stacks or lines.

Restricted interests include an unvarying pattern of daily activities and limited interests like a pre-occupation with a single TV show, toy or game.

Self injuries are movements that injure or can injure the child like eye poking, skin picking, hand biting and head banging.

Sleep problems can include insomnia, nocturnal awakening and arly morning wakening.

The definition of autism can range from mild to severe. Determining how severe a child's symptoms are can be based on overall IQ and on how much daily support the child needs.

Doctors now recommend screening for autistic symptoms at baby well checks beginning around 12 months. Speak to your pediatrician if you notice the following:

No babbling by 12 months

No gesturing by 12 months

No single words by 16 months

No two word spontaneous sentences by 24 months

Any loss of language or social skills.

Autism is one of the outlined thirteen categories of special education as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Beginning at age 3, a child with an official definition of autism is entitled to a free appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. What is appropriate depends on your child’s unique needs.

Early intervention for children with autism has been found to be key to improving functioning. County regional centers and public school districts must provide, at no cost to you, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan is a written document that describes your child’s current level of functioning and the anticipated outcome. It also lists the specific services that will be provided in order to meet the needs of your child.

All school districts must offer preschool early intervention programs for children with disabilities and continue services through age 23. This includes transition services to the elementary school. The most important goal of any educational program should be to help the child become more functionally independent.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA), structured teaching, speech and language therapy, social skills therapy and occupational therapy are all part of special education services available to autistic children. Intensive ABA has shown to be effective in improving the functioning of pre-school children and is well established at improving intellectual performance.

Sample goals for a child with a definition of autism might focus on social skills, expressive verbal language, increased engagement, improvement of fine and gross motor skills, increase in pretend play and increased independent skills. Medications and alternative therapies are also available from private therapists but parents may find these to be expensive.

School districts are legally responsible to pay for an outside service ONLY if it can be shown by the IEP team that the service is needed to meet the goals outlined in the IEP AND the district itself cannot provide the service.

If the district can provide the service but the parent prefers an outside provider, the parent is responsible for costs, not the school district. If your child does not meet the specific definition of autism, they might have a specific learning disorder, a communication disorder, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD or another type of disability.

If your child does not seem to fall within one of the 13 categories of special education, don't give up on finding a diagnosis. Even if your child does not meet the official definition of autism the IEP team can determine that a child qualifies for special education services. IDEA was specifically written to give IEP teams the power to determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Not everyone agrees on the definition of autism. Because the definition of autism relies on a subjective analysis of symptoms, not on a medical test, it is possible for different evaluations to come up with different findings. At the IEP meeting, agreeing on appropriate services for your child can be frustrating. Remember, that developing the IEP is a collaborative process between you and the school district.

Agreeing on appropriate services may involve significant negotiation. Non-profit organizations like Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America can assist you with learning about the latest available therapies, treatment and research.

The child behavior guide can provide you with information and strageties related to child behavior, pervasive developmental disorders and ADHD.

REMEMBER...being able to clearly state why you believe a service is necessary for your child will help you to be able to convince an IEP team.

You can check out the NEW Parent IEP Guide if you think having this information in a workbook format would be helpful to you. You can view the table of contents to see if the content would be valuable to your families situation.

Also, visit our section on parent support to learn collaboration skills, mediation techniques and more about your due process rights.