es, which have yet to be proven, deal with reactions to something in the diet of either the parent of the child during pregnancy or of the child at an early age. One idea is that an autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack the brain. In addition, scientists have researched the possibility of the effects of ingesting cow meat. Small bacteria, called rogue peptides are produced when people have difficulty digesting cow's meat. These rogue peptides imitate neurotransmitters and hormones. They then flow through the bloodstream to the brain, causing abnormalities in brain development. Still, though, these theories are being further investigated.
             The symptoms of autism can be described as a "triad of impairments" (What 2). The three areas of development that are affected are social interaction, social communication, and imagination. Autistic children have difficulty developing relationships with people. During the toddler years, children tend to struggle learning to use both verbal, and nonverbal communication. Also, their "play" tactics are abnormal, and they lack in the development of imagination.
             Autistic children don't interact normally, and sometimes not even at all, with others. At young ages, they show very little attachment to their parents and often resist being held. Some are so passive that during infancy they must be awakened to be fed. Usually quiet and oblivious to the world around them, autistic people live in a concealed life of confusion. Another unusual characteristic of an autistic person is
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