That's a rather clinical definition. Let me put this in a way that a parent or a grandparent can understand. Imagine a child coming into the world. He or she looks perfectly normal. Then, around 18 months, noises that don't bother other members of the family absolutely terrify your baby. Clothing is taken off, and you can't understand why. Your baby was babbling and suddenly stops. No explanation. Your child becomes obsessed with certain unusual things that normal children wouldn't be. They don't want to play with other children. If their schedule is changed, they become quite agitated. They don't want to be touched or held anymore. No eye contact. You lose your child.

So many parents don't know what's happening to their children. If they travel the road that we did, they might have to go to several professionals before their child is PROPERLY diagnosed. We actually had one psychologist tell us that it was our fault that Chase behaved the way he did!

Early education is the key. We all need to work together to bring Autism out in the open to help all of our children. Autism doesn't just affect the person. It affects the entire family, as well as everyone who interacts with this child. It will eventually affect the entire country. You see, these children (1 in 150) will eventually become adults. They will live a “normal” life span. But, will they have a normal life? That's the 64 thousand dollar question. Early intervention and programs like The Dockery Foundation will help tremendously.