AUTISM

Autism: Family & Friends – Evaluation

Assessment and evaluation information to help families understand how a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is made, and how it might apply to their child.

Autism – resources

Alternative Names Resources – autism Information The following organizations and links are good resources for information on autism: Association for Science in Autism Treatment | www.asatonline.org Autism Society of America | www.autism-society.org Autism Speaks | www.autismspeaks.org CDC’s Autism Information Center | www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism National Institute of Mental Health | www.nimh.nih.gov National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus | www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autism.html

Autism: Drugs/Medications

Medications Some medications can help reduce symptoms that cause problems for your child in school or at home. Many other medications may be prescribed off-label, meaning they have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a certain use or for certain people. Doctors may prescribe medications off-label if they have […]

Autism: Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Many recent research studies have focused on finding the earliest signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These studies aim to help doctors diagnose children at a younger age so they can get needed interventions as quickly as possible. For example, one early sign of ASD may be increased head size or rapid head […]

Autism: Understanding It

What is autism spectrum disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by: Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts; Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (typically recognized in the first two years of life); and, Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment […]

Autism: Causes

Causes Scientists don’t know the exact causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but research suggests that both genes and environment play important roles. Genetic factors In identical twins who share the exact same genetic code, if one has ASD, the other twin also has ASD in nearly 9 out of 10 cases. If one sibling […]

Autism: Signs & Symptoms

Signs & Symptoms Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) vary from one child to the next, but in general, they fall into two areas: Social impairment, including difficulties with social communication Repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Children with ASD do not follow typical patterns when developing social and communication skills. Parents are usually the first to […]

Autism: Living With It

Living With Autism Spectrum Disorder After your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may feel unprepared or unable to provide your child with the necessary care and education. Know that there are many treatment options, social services and programs, and other resources that can help. Some tips that can help you and […]

Autism: Risk Factors & Diagnosis

Who Is At Risk? Studies measuring autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence—the number of children affected by ASD over a given time period—have reported varying results, depending on when and where the studies were conducted and how the studies defined ASD. A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of health and school records of […]

Definition Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Alternative Names Pervasive developmental disorder – autism; Autistic spectrum disorder Causes, incidence, and risk factors Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. […]

Autism: Treatments

Treatments While there’s no proven cure yet for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), treating ASD early, using school-based programs, and getting proper medical care can greatly reduce ASD symptoms and increase your child’s ability to grow and learn new skills. Early intervention Research has shown that intensive behavioral therapy during the toddler or preschool years can […]

Autism – The Basics

Every child has a unique personality. Some are outgoing, while others are shy. But there are certain kids who have trouble dealing with things that most children take in stride. They may not make eye contact or have conversations. They may not like to be touched or to hear loud sounds. If you have […]