Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that is typically characterized by a child's inability to relate to other people or interact with his/her environment.

Usually children stricken with Autism are extremely withdrawn, have a great deal of trouble communicating and exhibit extreme behavioral swings.

Some signs that may indicate if a child is Autistic relate to certain milestones that children achieve at various ages.

If by the time a child is 12 months old, the child demonstrates a lack of curiosity or the child does not express his or herself (something which all children do).

Or by the age of 16 months a child can not use simple single words there may be some reason for concern.

You must be aware though, that not all children develop at a similar rate and that there may be other developmental issues that are unrelated to Autism.

Some telling signs that a child may have Autism include when speaking to a child, the child never looks at you.

The child always prefers to be left alone.

The child never shows any signs of emotion - such as smiling.

The child finds it difficult to remember new skills.

The child has extreme mood swings which is common with Aspergers Autism.

Aspergers Autism is an Autistic disorder that makes a child suffering from the disorder highly aggressive or violent towards themselves and others.

Children suffering from Aspergers Autism are unable to control their anger response to a situation or how others interact with them lashing out violently.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability, and boys are three to four times more like to be diagnosed with this disorder.

In the United States alone it is estimated that more than 1.5 million people suffer from Autism making Autism the third most common developmental disorder.

It's important to understand that Autism has a wide spectrum of conditions that makes it hard to diagnose, and that for a child to be diagnosed with this disorder requires that she/he meet established medical requirements for children with Autism.

Early diagnoses can help in the child's development (depending on the type of Autistic disability) and can prepare you for what you and your family need to do in taking care of an Autistic child.

With 1 in 150 children being diagnosed with this neurological disorder it is very important that you understand the unique educational, social and family challenges that children with Autism face.

Parents with Autistic Children need to start planning how they will integrate their Autistic Children into the working world, since children with Autism have normal life expectancy, and many as adults can lead fulfilling independent productive lives.

As with all things education is your best defense when it comes to Autism; though the underlying cause of Autism are not well understood there are things you can do to make Autism a more manageable condition.

Start with early diagnoses and find out which type of Autism afflicts your child, learn about current treatments and therapies, learn about nutritional support. It has been shown that certain nutritional supplements can lesson the effects of Autism.

Learn about activities that are specifically designed for Autistic Children to help in their mental and social development.

For a better understanding of the Behavior Characteristics Of Autism and to learn how to spot the 31 Behavior Characteristics Of Autism read The Essential Guide To Autism.