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Autism is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder characterized by severe impairment in social interaction and communication along with high rates of ritualistic and stereotyped behavior (DSM-IV; APA, 1994). Recent reported prevalence rates are 1 to 4 per 1000 and at least 4-6 per 1000 when milder variants (called autism spectrum disorders) are included (Baird et al., 2006; Fombonne, 2003). Research suggests that 50-80% of children with autism have mental retardation (Baird et al., 2006; Fombonne, 1999), and that the majority will require professional care throughout their lives (Billstedt et al., 2005).
Although specific causes of the condition have not yet been identified, research suggests that genetic, epigenetic and/or environmental factors are involved (Bailey et al., 1995; Freitag, 2007; Muller, 2007; Volkmar et al., 2004). Currently, researchers are searching for medical and biomedical treatments that are effective, safe, and generally accepted (c.f., Pangborn & Baker, 2005). However, the only drug approved for autism by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is risperidone (FDA, October 6, 2006). Risperidone may be used to treat aggression, self-injury, and temper tantrums, but it does not address the core deficits of the autistic disorder, that is, the deficits in social interaction, communication and stereotyped behavior which.Hence, medical treatments are not a substitute for psycho-educational interventions, which currently is the benchmark intervention for autism (Filipek, Steinberg-Epstein, & Book, 2006; Howlin, 2005).
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