Mozart, Orwell, Einstein, Beethoven and Newton all had it, and now new research funded by the Department of Health shows that one in every 100 adults has it too – autism, that is.

Autism is much discussed but less well understood. Those with the disorder are sometimes mistakenly believed to be naughty, disruptive, antisocial, rude or just weird. In reality they have a developmental disability with uncertain origins that has no cure, with symptoms they can do little if anything to control. While some autistic people live fairly independent lives, others need constant specialist help. However, all those with autism have difficulty with three things, says the National Autistic Society (NAS).

1) Verbal/non-verbal communication That can result in taking everything literally and misinterpreting jokes or sarcasm. Facial expressions and tones of voice can also cause problems.

2) Social interaction "People with autism often have difficulty recognising or understanding other people's emotions and feelings, and expressing their own," says the NAS. That trait can mean that an autistic person can prefer his or her own company, or come across as insensitive, or might not comprehend unwritten rules of behaviour – they may stand too close or initiate an inappropriate conversation.

3) Social imagination This can mean trouble comprehending danger, such as a busy road; preparing for change and planning for the future; and handling unfamiliar or unexpected situations.

Some people may also have one or more of the following: a love of routines; over- or under-sensitivity to the senses, such as not feeling pain or extremes of temperature; special interests that are pursued intensely, often from an early age; and learning disabilities.