1 / 10

Today Is World Autism Day - April 2 marks World Autism Day. What do you know about this growing developmental disorder? —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Courtesy United Nations) 

2 / 10

What Is Autism? - Autism spectrum disorder is a range of brain-related developmental disorders that impair one’s ability to socialize with others and speak. It also can cause someone to engage in unusual and bizarre repetitive behavior. One can suffer from severe forms of autism that cause someone to be completely shut off from the world, while someone can suffer from a more mild form such as Asperger syndrome.  (Photo: GettyImages)

3 / 10

Blacks and Autism - A 2011 study found that the average African-American child is diagnosed with autism at eight years old, compared to six years old for white children. Not to mention, researchers also found that when Black parents do mention autism to their doctors, they are more likely to be ignored. By delaying diagnosis, Black children are more likely to need more extensive and longer treatment. (Photo: GettyImages)

Photo By GettyImages

4 / 10

How Common Is It? - Children are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than they are HIV, Type 1 diabetes and cancer combined. A recent CDC study found that 1 in 50 school children have autism, with boys being more likely to be diagnosed than girls. It’s estimated that 1 million children could have the disorder, but some health experts believe that number could be higher.  (Photo: GettyImages)

5 / 10

What Are the Symptoms? - With autism, symptoms range but can include the inability to respond to one’s name, not wanting to be touched by others, not communicating or talking to others, preferring to play alone, inability to imitate words or actions, inability to find comfort in hugging or touch and partaking in strange repetitive behavior. People with autism also can suffer from sleep problems, seizures and digestive issues. (Photo: GettyImages)

6 / 10

What Are the Warning Signs?  - Autism can usually be diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 3, but there are warning signs to look before then, says Autism Speaks. They include: Your baby doesn’t smile or express joy after six months of age; no waving, smiling or reaching by age 1; no talking by 16 months; no two-word phrases by age 2; and any loss of speech at any age. (Photo: AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Photo By AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

7 / 10

How Is Autism Diagnosed? - Specialized doctors and psychologists perform a series of behavioral evaluations such as the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) to gauge whether or not your child is at risk. Your child may also be tested at school as well. If you suspect that your child may be autistic, speak to your doctor immediately. (Photo: GettyImages)

8 / 10

Do Vaccines Cause Autism? - Despite popular and misguided belief, past and current studies have found that vaccines DO NOT cause autism in children. The reality is that the medical community doesn’t really know what causes autism, but some suspect that genetics or a family history of autism may put children more at risk. (Photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst /Landov)

9 / 10

Can It Be Cured? - Sadly no, but there are medicines and therapy that can help improve motor skills and developmental delays in some autistic children. The key is starting children in therapy early whether at home, a doctor’s office and/or a school setting. (Photo: GettyImages)

10 / 10

What Is Asperger Syndrome? - Asperger syndrome is a high-functioning type of autism. Someone suffering from Asperger’s can have an average-to-above-average intellect but lack social skills. They also may have trouble making eye contact, miss social cues like personal space or small talk and may lack a filter which makes them say very inappropriate things.  (Photo: GettyImages)