Autism is a baffling disorder whose cause is unclear.

“The way I describe it is it’s a neurological development disorder,” said Mary Wildman, treasurer of the Autism Society of Butler County. “No two kids are the same. When you have had one child diagnosed with autism and another child diagnosed with autism, chances are good they won’t have the same symptoms.”

Broadly speaking, Wildman said, those with autism have problems in three areas: social skills, communication and behavior. Most have a combination of the three.

“The causes are not known,” Wildman said. “These kids will have a normal life expectancy. There’s nothing physically wrong with them. It’s just mentally.

“They need a good support system. That’s what we provide is a support system,” added Wildman, who said the all-volunteer society can provide families with referrals and information.

Asked how many in Butler County may have autism, Wildman said, “I don’t know how many have it because it’s a broad spectrum of symptoms, but I can tell you on our mailing list we have a hundred families.”

Anyone wishing to contact the society may call 724-538-4425 or visit the Autism Society of America website, Autism-society.org, and click on the Butler County group’s link.