Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neuro-developmental disorder that is characterized by repetitive behavior, difficulty in social situations, trouble communicating verbally and non-verbally, and motor coordination.

According to Autism Speaks, autism affects over three million individuals in the U.S. and is more prevalent in males than females. Typically, symptoms begin before your child is three years old. These symptoms can include your child not responding to his or her name, lack of smiling or social responsiveness, loss of language or social skills, and obsessively lining up toys or objects.

As your child gets older, there are other symptoms such as an impaired ability to make friends, impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with other people, repetitive or unusual use of language, preoccupation with specific objects, and inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals.

What are some triggers that are associated with autism?

There is no single cause known, but researchers and doctors believe genetics and environmental factors can play a role in if your child develops autism.

What are the treatment options for autism?

Unfortunately, many researchers and doctors were less educated about autism years ago than they are now, and many children who had autism were placed in institutions. There is no known cure for autism, but there are several approaches such as therapy, non-medical interventions, biomedical treatments, diet modifications and educational approaches.

Another possible -- and fairly new -- treatment option is NAET.

NAET, which stands for Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique, is a noninvasive technique based on acupuncture principles and which eliminates sensitivities and alleviates allergies.

According to NAET's website, a study using NAET in autism showed that by the end of one year (100 simple treatments), 23 of the 30 autistic children in the treatment protocol were back in regular schools, as opposed to none of the 30 in the untreated control group.

What else do you need to know about NAET and autism?

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, joins Dr. Holly to discuss what autism is, what the signs and symptoms are, what treatment options are available, and the new study on NAET and autism.