While autism isn't classified as learning disorder, the condition can have profound effects on a child's ability to learn. 

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability characterised by marked difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivity. 

Autism is not a simple issue, but Professor Elliott Sherr believes that autism is a behavioral diagnosis. Sherr, a professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the Institute of Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, is an internationally renowned autism expert. He studies the genetics of developmental disorders — in particular, autism and epilepsy.  

Why are boys diagnosed at a higher rate than girls? What behaviours do children with autism exhibit? Professor Sherr explains, in this Queensland Brain Institute podcast.

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