Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of
conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive
behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers
for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the
United States today. We know that there is not one autism but many
subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental
factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism
has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people
with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled
to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant
support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in
some cases, live entirely independently. Several factors may influence
the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory
sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI)
disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health
challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues. Signs of
autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays
can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18
months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive
outcomes later in life for people with autism.
* In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association merged four distinct
autism diagnoses into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
(ASD). They included autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative
disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified
(PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.