Awareness
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability, typically appearing during childhood and affecting a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. ASD affects different people in different ways. Some people can't speak or learn. Their behavior may seem odd to others; they may avoid other people; they may pace and move their bodies in unusual ways, like flapping their hands.
Toddlers
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show developmental differences when they are babies—especially in their social and language skills. Because they usually sit, crawl, and walk on time, less obvious differences in the development of body gestures, pretend play, and social language often go unnoticed.
In addition to language delays and behavioral differences, families may notice differences in the way their child interacts with peers.
Adolescent
Many teens with ASD have similar dreams and goals as you and I. There may be only subtle differences in some individuals, while other people diagnosed with ASD might be very different from you. Some classmates may have difficulties with certain activities due to their disability, but may have strengths in other areas. For example, a teen with ASD may be a computer or science whiz, but may have difficulty in social situations or playing on a sports team.
Adulthood
While autism is most often diagnosed in toddlers, it’s possible for adults with autism spectrum disorder to go undiagnosed. Receiving an ASD diagnosis later in life can be scary but obtaining a diagnosis is helpful for many reasons, but particularly because it can provide people with better access to services and support.
FAQs
What are Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a range of brain disorders that are characterized by restricted patterns of behavior and impairments in social communication and interactions. These disorders share common origins and features, but are classified as spectrum disorders because symptoms and severity vary among individuals.
How early can ASD be recognized in children?
A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is difficult before the age of about 12 months but is generally possible by the age of 2 years. Characteristic features of the onset include delay in the development or temporary regression in language and social skills and repetitive stereotyped patterns of behavior.
How common are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) reported that approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States has been identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This estimate is a 14% increase from the 1 in 68 rate in 2016 and a 47% increase from the 1 in 88 rate in 2012. In the 1980s autism prevalence was reported as 4 in 10,000. In the nineties, prevalence was 1 in 2500 and later 1 in 1000.
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed?
ASD symptoms can vary greatly from person to person depending on the severity of the disorder. Symptoms may even go unrecognized for young children who have mild ASD or less debilitating handicaps.
Autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed by clinicians based on symptoms, signs, and testing according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V, a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders. Children should be screened for developmental delays during periodic checkups and specifically for autism at 18- and 24-month well-child visits.
What causes Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Scientific evidence suggests that various factors, both genetic and environmental, contribute to the onset of autism spectrum disorders by influencing early brain development. Despite many theories, Epidemiological data show that there is no evidence of a link between measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism spectrum disorders.
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder treated?
There is no cure for ASD. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can substantially improve those symptoms. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of the individual. Most health care professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.