KEY POINTS:
Autism, the brain disorder which featured in the 1988 movie Rain Man, is increasing rapidly in New Zealand.
Finding out why the brain development disorder is growing at such an alarming rate is the "million dollar question", says Autism New Zealand Auckland manager Felicity Roberts.
The increase was not explained by the population increase or another suggestion that it was now easier to diagnose.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is to open a new house in Auckland today for Autism New Zealand and Ms Roberts said although it would not help research into the mystery cause of autism, it was a "fantastic new project" which would help patients, parents and families deal with the disorder.
In the film Rain Man, Dustin Hoffman plays autism sufferer Raymond, brother of selfish yuppie Charlie Babbitt, played by Tom Cruise.
Ms Roberts said no one knew what caused autism.
"They are still guessing. The best they can do is that it has been narrowed down to a genetic factor, a genetic predisposition and some sort of environmental insult."
She said the "scary thing" was that it was growing so fast but the cause was unknown.
Autism House, in the suburb of St Lukes, would bring together families, professionals and service organisations that had a similar goal - "to help herald a brighter future for those individuals with an autism spectrum disorder".
Ms Roberts said autism did not mean sufferers could not become part of the community.
"We are all about trying to help every individual achieve their potential."
- NZPA
