Ten Facts about Autism

1. Autism impacts individuals in different ways. Even when looking at gender, autism seems to manifest itself differently in boys than it does with girls. 

2. Research suggests that thousands of gene mutations could explain the variances among people with autism.

3. Autism was first described in 1911 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler. He used he term in reference to patients with schizophrenia and, later, the term became associated with children who were exhibiting behavioral difficulties.

4. The word autism is derived from the Greek word "autos" which means self. People with autism have been noted by be isolated from social interactions.

5. More boys than girls are diagnosed with autism. This could call into question whether more boys than girls actually have autism or if it is just a matter of boys having a greater probability of receiving a diagnosis due to gender biases.

6. Some studies have indicated that children with autism have at least one parent with characteristics of autism.

7. The risk of a sibling having autism increases by 30% or greater if another child in the family has been diagnosed with autism.

8. Parents of children with autism have elevated stress levels similar to that of combat soldiers.

9. In some cultures, mothers are blamed if a child is diagnosed with autism.

10. There is no cure for autism. However, effective interventions can decrease the severity and scope of autism.