We have grown familiar with the idea that autism is a 'psychiatric condition, ' a 'disorder, ' a 'disability' or a 'handicap.' Autism remains a fascinating condition, perhaps the most prolifically researched of all child psychiatric disorders. Early accounts of possible autism were unclear. The greatest contributions to our understanding have come from individual clinicians and researchers in the last ten years. The concept and definition of the disorder have changed greatly; some ideas once held with conviction were later proved to be unfounded. Socio-political shifts, as well as research findings, have radically altered our understanding of the syndrome, as well as the care and educational treatment offered to people with autism