What Is Autism?

Autism is a mystery condition that affects 1 in every 150 kids. As much as researchers have studied it they have not been able to discover what causes it. Many researchers believe that certain children are more likely to be affected by autism because it or other disorders like it run in the family.

The brain contains over 100 billion nerve cells called neurons. Each neuron may have hundreds or thousands of connections that carry messages to other nerve cells in the brain and body. The connections and the chemical messengers they send (called neurotransmitters) let the neurons that help you see, feel, move, remember, and work together as they should.

For some reason, some of the cells and connections in the brain of a kid with autism — especially those that affect communication, emotions, and senses — don’t develop properly or get damaged. That is why some children with autism have difficulty socializing with other kids their age.