At the age of two, my brother was diagnosed with autism. While playing at McDonald's, we noticed that there was something different about John Doe. He did not associate with other children and did not take off his shoes. He also wouldn't show affection or maintain eye contact with anyone. This left us very curious as to why he was behaving so differently than the average two-year-old. When the doctors told us he was autistic we were all shocked, but happy to know why he was so different. Autism has many signs, diagnoses, and unknown causes, which has led to the development of coping mechanisms and the need for continued research. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines autism as “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and limited behavior patterns, repetitive and stereotyped” (“Autism Fact Sheet”). The term “autism” has been used for over 100 years; comes from the Greek word “autos” meaning “self”. Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first to use the term “autism”. He began using it to describe a group of symptoms of schizophrenia. In the 1940s, the term “autism” was used to describe children with emotional or social problems. In the same year, Hans Asperger, a German scientist, identified a similar condition that is now called Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome is a milder form of autism. Children with Asperger's are not as low functioning as children with autism. From the 1960s to the 1970s, a lot of research was done on autism. Research for treatments for autism has focused primarily on types of medications, electrical equipment......middle of paper......or mechanics. Things that an average person would have to learn in weeks, a child with autism can learn in a day or two. They see things differently and in a more defined way. Sounds and colors may seem more extreme and vibrant. A little buzz that the average person might not hear, a person with autism will hear as clear as day. The autistic brain is very talented. In 1997, the National Institutes of Health formed its Autism Coordinating Committee to help find a cure for autism. Research is still ongoing to find new cures and treatments ("Autism Fact Sheet"). Autism presents many difficulties that arise from the disease. There are many signs, diagnoses, causes, coping mechanisms, and treatment options. In addition to all the obstacles autistic children face, they have magnificent brains. Maybe having autism isn't so bad after all.