Autism was first recognised by Leo Kanner in 1943 - a hugely complex neurological disorder marked by the "Triad of Impairments" which shows difficulties in the areas of communication, social interaction and imagination. It is also a spectrum disorder in which the individual demonstrating traits of autism can fit in anywhere within the spectrum. The symptoms can vary from mild to moderate to severe where some show accompanying learning disabilities. Autistic children appear to be indifferent and aloof living in a world of their own, where they are unable to form emotional bonds and lack the understanding, thoughts and feelings of others. Following the recognition of Autism, Hans Asperger in 1944 identified a condition which had similar traits to Autism which is known today as Asperger’s Syndrome. Individuals with Asperger’s are very rarely mentally retarded while being generally seen as odd with unusual interests.
