When a child reaches middle childhood (ages 7 to 12), he or she will go through dramatic social and emotional changes after tremendous physical growth during early childhood. When children reach this developmental stage in their lives, most are able to function independently. For example, they can choose their own clothes and dress themselves or pour themselves drinks during meals. At this stage of development, they begin elementary school where their social world expands from just social interaction with family to social interactions with children their age and authority figures, such as teachers. During an average school day, middle-aged children form successful relationships with their peers, allowing them to interact socially with them on the playground and in the classroom. These children are also able to listen carefully to their teachers and parents and are also able to follow the directions that others give them. However, children diagnosed with autism differ from others around them: the disorder hinders their ability to learn, form social relationships and function independently. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neural developmental disorder characterized by problems with social interaction, communication, and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. The disorder affects the information-processing center in the cerebral cortex, changing how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize the inputs that the brain interprets. However, scientists are still studying autism to understand how it manifests itself and why it occurs. Scientists believe this disorder has a genetic basis, but it is unclear what types of genetics are involved. Controversies form around the possible environment… medium of paper… exclusive environment. While the causes of autism remain a mystery to scientists around the world and the prevalence of the disorder grows in the industrialized world, one fact is certain: autism affects learning and social interaction in middle childhood. This affects their ability to process language and sensory input in their environment, preventing them from learning at the pace of their non-autistic peers. However, children with autism can undergo therapy to relieve the stress of daily life and help the child succeed with language, sensory integration, and learning skills. Because there is no cure for autism, treatment with therapy and medications may be the only relief until autism is cured, but both caregivers and teachers can work with autistic students to help them succeed and Don't fall behind in school despite your diagnosis..