The Probert Encyclopaedia of Medicine

AUTISM

Autism is a serious, supposed mental disorder seen in children characterised by a lack of empathy and understanding for the environment outside of the self. Autism was first proposed by Kanner in 1943, previous to then the symptoms associated with the condition were diagnosed as a form of schizophrenia or of social behavioural difficulties. Frequently persons diagnosed with autism exhibit quite brilliant memory retention, mental mathematical skill, or artistic creativity bordering on genius, and yet paradoxically most are classified as being of 'low intelligence' and having lerning difficulties. The precise manner of autism, and its causes are highly controversial and at best unknown at this time.
Research Autism