A pervasive developmental disorder of children or adults, characterized by impaired communication, excessive rigidity, and emotional detachment.

Autism affects 1 in 150 people. It causes individuals with the disorder to learn at a slower pace than others. Dr. Kanner of John Hopkins Hospital found it in 1943. Dr. Hans Asperger found a milder form of the disorder at the same time. It is now called Asperger Syndrome. It usually starts with unusual behavior in the child, which is most likely to be noticed by the parents. There are different kinds of Autism Spectrum Disorders. (ASD)

My little brother, Christian, has Autism. He is 6 years old. Some of the signs he shows of it are:

- Trouble socializing

- Hard time communicating with others

- Easily upset if his schedule is messed up

When babysitting him, it can be very difficult to keep him calm. If he gets too excited he'll start to jump, flap his arms, and scream. And if he gets upset he'll start screaming really loud. But he makes up for his obnoxiousness by being cute.