Autism spectrum disorder, known as ASD, is a range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and patterns of restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behavior. Autistic disorder, called classic autism or ASD, is the most common and severe form of ASD. Other less severe spectrum conditions include Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. Autism affects information processing in the brain by changing the way nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize themselves. It is not completely understood why this happens. Autism has a strong genetic basis and, in rare cases, is strongly associated with causative agents of birth defects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 1.5 million Americans may have autism. Autism affects not only the person diagnosed, but also the caregivers, families, siblings and friends around them. The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased significantly since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practices. As studies of autism advance, researchers continue to evaluate and release more information so that individuals can become familiar and comfortable with this lifelong disorder. Today, autism is recognized as an important independent neurological disorder, a major health and social struggle, and a subject of much research. According to the official History of Autism website, autism does not have a long history, as it was not diagnosed until the early 1930s. Before that time, people with symptoms related to autism were described as “crazy”. In 1912, Swiss psychiatrist Eugène Blé...... middle of paper ...... Home page. Autism Society. Internet. December 6, 2011. “Autism Products – Wholesale Autism Awareness Products.” Free Articles Directory | Submit Articles - ArticlesBase.com. ArticlesBase.com, January 23, 2010. Web. December 6, 2011. Grandin, Temple. “THINKING IN PICTURES: Autism and visual thinking.” Temple Grandin webpage. Internet. December 6, 2011. .Donvan, John and Caren Zucker. "Autism's First Child - Magazine - The Atlantic." The Atlantic – News and analysis on politics, business, culture, technology, national, international and life – TheAtlantic.com. Internet. December 7. 2011. .