Autism spectrum disorder, known as ASD, is a range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behavior patterns . Autistic disorder, called autism or classic ASD, is the most common and severe form of ASD. Other less serious conditions along the spectrum include Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering the way nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize. It is not entirely clear why this occurs. Autism has a strong genetic basis and, in rare cases, is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.5 million Americans may have autism. Autism not only affects the diagnosed individual, but also affects the caregivers, families, siblings and friends who associate with them. The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, in part due to changes in diagnostic practices. As autism studies advance, researchers continue to evaluate and distribute more and more information so that individuals can become familiar and comfortable with this lifelong disorder. Today, autism is recognized as a significant independent neurological disorder, a serious health and social problem, and a topic of much research. According to the official History of Autism website, autism does not have a long history because it was not diagnosed until the early 1930s. Before then, individuals who had autism-like symptoms were called “crazy.” In 1912, the Swiss psychiatrist Eugene Ble...... in the center of the newspaper...... Homepage. Autism Society. Network. December 06, 2011. "Autism Products - Wholesale Autism Awareness Products." Free Article Directory | Submit Articles - ArticlesBase.com. ArticlesBase.com, 23 January 2010. Web. 06 December 2011. .Grandin, Tempio. "THINKING IN IMAGES: Autism and visual thinking." Temple Grandin web page. Network. 06 December 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. Network. 07 December. 2011. .