Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common name given to a group of brain-related diseases such as autism and Asperger's syndrome. It normally affects brain in a way that the affected persons find it difficult to communicate and interact with the society. This spectrum of brain disorders can affect persons of all age. But children are its most vulnerable targets. The diseases do not have a set pattern or set symptoms. It can affect two persons differently in different environments. It can even affect the same person differently in different environments. The causes of this group of diseases have not been conclusively revealed. Many scientists consider autistic diseases as genetically transmitting disorders. Some scientists are of the opinion that environment factors can also trigger autistic disorders. Also no definite treatment methods have been developed to prevent or cure autistic disorders. However, there are some initiatives such as special learning programs to bring autistic children back to normal societal life.

Autistic spectrum disorders manifest in various forms in various people. But mainly these are visible in the speech and behavioral aspects of a person. Children with this spectrum of disorders do not talk to others and do not respond to others. It will be obvious from their behavior that they like to be alone and not to be disturbed in any manner. This group of disorders can suddenly appear in any person. But they generally make themselves visible in children at or below the age of two years. Such children do not respond when somebody call their names. They show instant irritation to the bodily show of affection such as a cuddle or a kiss. Children with a severe form of autistic disorders do not talk, and they behave in a manner as if they are living in some other world.

The two common forms of autistic spectrum disorders are autism and Asperger's disease. Autism is the fiercest form of this group of disorders, with affected children find it hard to co-operate with other people in the society. Their communication skill and the ability to understand the feelings of others are almost non-existent. People with Asperger's syndrome have average ability in learning things. But in terms of social communication, they fail miserably to adapt.

The best way to treat autistic spectrum disorders is to diagnose the disease early enough. Children who are diagnosed before the age of two years can be treated with a certain degree of success in improving the speech and social behavior aspects. But autistic disorders cannot be diagnosed using any specialized machines or special physical tests. Mostly, these are disclosed through observation. There are many ongoing research programs that aim to find the causes and preventive and remedial treatment for autism and related disorders.