utism affects about one out of every 165 children born, and significantly impacts those diagnosed, their families and caregivers. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are typically identified before age three; boys are affected most. Asperger Syndrome, an ASD, is often detected when a child reaches school age. Those with ASDs may develop cognitive, language, motor and social skills differently from other children, yet they each have different abilities.

These abilities are garnering new attention, encouraging their development. These remarkable gifts exhibited by some children are often in the arts and sciences and include detailed memory, focus and a superb ability to manipulate data. In some cases, these abilities far surpass the so-called norm.