In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that between 1 in 80 and 1 in 240, for an average of 1 in 110 children have an autism disorder autism spectrum, "ASD" (Nirv, Shah 2011). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, six out of 1,000 children may be diagnosed with some form of autism. Additionally, boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism. This means that approximately 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be increasing rapidly. Autism is a disability that frequently appears during the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain and affects normal brain development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills (Bee & Boyd, 2009). To date it is the most widespread developmental disorder. Autism is one of five disorders that fall under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development," including social interaction and skills communicative (Zager, 2006). The etiology of autism is a controversial topic of debate as researchers strive to reach a common goal. The goal is to identify the cause of autism to understand the complex interaction between environment and genetic regulation (NCBI, 2009). Although individuals with autism have existed for many centuries, it was not recognized and labeled until the mid-20th century. Therefore, early diagnosis, intervention, and an individual education plan are essential for the progression of ASD. The etiology of ASD...... half of the article ......teristics of autismMuhle R, Trentacoste SV, Rapin I.Pediatrics. May 2004; 113(5):e472-86. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19774457 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Autism information page. Retrieved from: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/autism.htmRichards, S., Taylor, R., Smiley, L. 2009; Exceptional Students: Preparing Teachers for the 21st CenturyTARGET: Texas Guide to Effective Teaching Educational Implications Texas State Leadership for Autism Education (March 2009). Retrieved from: http://www.txautism.net/docs/Guide/Introduction/EducationalImplications.pdfAutism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from: http://www.yourlittleprofessor.com/spectrum.htmlBibliography on iodine and autism. Retrieved from: http://gingerjens.blogspot.com/p/bibliography-on-iodine-and-autism.html