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Summary The childhood autism is a pervasive developmental disorder, still insufficiently known, though for the last 60 years the studies are continued. Many issues remain unresolved, however, some information crucial for understanding the core of autism has been also gathered. Children with autism provide fascinating data on the functioning of the human being. Every year new findings in genetics, molecular biology, neurophysiology are being provided, improving our ability to diagnose autism early and to intervene early. Some brain structures are responsible for recognition of emotions in the course of social interactions. This is a still fairly unknown field of research called "social brain". The studies on autism may provide support for the future understanding of the brains unfolded secrets, both at the biological and psychological level.