Autism is a genetically-based neurological disorder that is evidenced in children at birth or in the early years of development (prior to the age of three). Autism affects the very basic components of human interaction such as communication, social interaction, imagination, and the formation of appropriate social behaviors. Currently, it is estimated that 1 in every 155 children are diagnosed with the disorder affecting more boys than girls by a ration of 5/1. The disorder may generally have life-long effects on academic learning, engaging in social relationships, attaining independence, and obtaining an active role in the community. Although precise neurobiological mechanisms have yet to be identified, it is clear that the disorder is neurologically-based. Because the manifestation of autism represents a continuum of abilities and behaviors, it is best characterized as a spectrum of disorders. The presentation of autism varies considerably across children and in fact, within individual children at different points in time. There is no single behavior that is the hallmark of the disorder, even though there are strong and consistent commonalities especially in language and in social skill deficits.