Let's face it; raising children today takes a lot of work. From soccer practice to planning for college, kids take time, energy and money. But you wouldn't trade them in for the world.

Now imagine your beautiful child that you love more than life itself takes complete control of your family with tantrums, fights, ignoring everything and frequent visits to many doctors. How does a parent handle life with an autistic child?

Matt Asner, son of actor Ed Asner, is the Executive Director of Autism Speaks in Southern California. Matt shares his life as the father of an autistic son, as well as the stepfather of two autistic kids from his second wife. Autism is one of those hard to tell what you have disorders. Children with autism are evaluated on a spectrum ranging from high functioning to low functioning.

The number of children with autism has increase dramatically over the last 40 years. The increase is 10 percent higher with one out of 68 children diagnosed with autism. Boys tend to develop autism more than girls.

The big question is what causes autism? The answer until recently was "we don't know". There are a number of causes just as there are a variety of autistic types. Most causes of the disease stem from gene changes or mutations along with environmental factors that effect early brain development.

People with autism are unique. While symptoms may be similar, they manifest in different ways for each individual. Those on the autism spectrum have outstanding capabilities in music, academic skills and creative abilities. Many lead productive lives.

The goal of Autism Speaks is to improve the lives of those on the Autism spectrum. This means improving acceptance in the general community, respect and support. At the same time Autism Speaks works to fund research to better understand prevention of autism.