autisma also called classic autism or autistic
disorderdevelopmental disorder that affects affecting physical,
social, and language skills. The syndrome usually appears before
three years of age, although the earliest signs are quite
subtle.  Autistic children appear indifferent or averse to
affection and physical contact, although attachment to parents
or certain adults often develops later. Speech develops slowly
and abnormally (it is often atonal and arrhythmic) or not at
all. It may be characterized by meaningless, noncontextual
echolalia (constant repetition of what is said by others) or the
replacement of speech by strange mechanical sounds. There may be
abnormal reaction to sound, no reaction to pain, or no
recognition of genuine danger, yet autistic children are
extremely sensitive. Usually the syndrome is accompanied by an
obsessive desire to prevent environmental change. Frequently
there are also rhythmic body movements, such as rocking or hand-
clapping. About 25 percent of autistic children develop