F84: Pervasive developmental disorders

F84.1: Atypical autism

Someone with autism can have great difficulty in interacting with other people and communicating with them. You may find it hard to show your own feelings or understand other people’s feelings. You may also be unable able to speak properly, or even to speak at all.

Autism can also affect other behaviors. You may have very fixed habits and interests, for example. You may also keep repeating particular actions. You may also find it very difficult to come to terms with new situations.

The causes of autism are not yet properly understood. It is thought that various factors can cause autism. For instance, certain genetic changes increase the risk of autism.