Wikipedia:Today's featured article/August 24, 2005

Kim Peek, an autistic savant, inspired Dustin Hoffman's character in the film Rain Man

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, genetic factors appear to be important. By definition, autism must manifest delays in "social interaction, language as used in social communication, or symbolic or imaginative play," with "onset prior to age 3 years." (DSM-IV) There have been large increases in the reported incidence of autism, for reasons that are heavily debated in the scientific community. There are cases of autistic children who have improved their social and other skills to the point where they can fully participate in mainstream education and social events, but there are lingering concerns that an absolute cure from autism is impossible with current technology since it involves aspects of neurological brain structure determined very early in development. However, some autistic children and adults who are able to communicate at a functional level are opposed to attempts to cure their condition.

Recently featured: A. E. J. Collins – Congress of the United States – Anschluss