What sort of problem is autism?

Defective love: Autistic individuals cannot properly relate to other humans and live in emotional isolation. Parents of autistic children a very frustrated as their normal love for their child cannot be returned. Some have low academic ability but a subgroup, aspberger's, may have a very high capacity in certain areas like math or music. It seems to be a brain wiring disorder of unknown cause.

Social impairment: Early signs include not talking well (but some with autism can have advanced verbal skills), not pointing, and repetitive behaviors. Other signs in toddlers are poor eye contact, solitary play, unusual hand movements and narrow range of interests. M-chat is a good screening tool. Pediatrician or child psychologist can diagnose autism. Impaired social interaction and communication are hallmarks.

Neurological: Autism is a neurological problem.

Autism Spectrum: Autism is developmental disorder of the brain that affects socialization and communication. This general term, autism, has been broadened to in include other developmental problems that are now called autism spectrum disorder.