Autism is a developmental disability caused by a neurological disorder which interferes with normal brain functioning. It is the third most common developmental disability, more common than Down's syndrome, and becomes obvious from birth to the age of three. Symptoms include slow or no language development; avoidance of or excessive need for physical contact; repetitive body movements such as rocking and/or head banging; fixation on a single object; extremely passive, aggressive, or often self injurious behavior; temper tantrums for no obvious reason; little or no response to social cues such as smiles or eye contact; oversensitivity to touch; or the inability to feel pain. About 10% of autistic people have savant skills, such as remarkable mathematical ability or special talents in art and music. Autism affects approximately 15 of every 10,000 individuals, three to four times as many males as females, and people of all races. Evidence suggests several causes...