You think you know Autism? Sure, yeah. You've heard that word before. Doesn't it mean they can't speak, they're retarded and brain damaged. Am I right? Wrong.

So what is Autism?

1 in 150 children in the USA will get it; this number is so large it's been called a national heath threat by the CDC. Autism is a neurobiological disorder that causes people with it to act differently. A person with autism may have odd behaviors such as rocking or head banging and may respond differently to social situations For example: they don't notice you, respond or give eye contact.

Although those are the characteristics of autism it varies from person to person making it even harder to diagnose. Some people can speak very well while some will never speak a word. Autism is a spectrum disorder and has many levels of severity, such as high-functioning autism (a person that can function almost like most people).

What causes it and is there anything I can do?

There is no know cause of autism and no known cure, though there are many theories as to what causes it including childhood vaccinations, pesticides and genes. Because of lack of funding we know only very little about the condition. You can help with fundraising or donating to Autism Society of America or through Autism Speaks (websites below).

Funding for various diseases:

-Leukemia: Affects 1 in 25,000 / Funding: $310 million
-Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 20,000 / Funding: $175 million
-Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 8,000 / Funding: $394 million
-Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $130 million
-Autism: Affects 1 in 150 / Funding: $15 million

~Horsey27

Author's Note:Links and resources: Oprah Winfrey and www.autismspeaks.org