What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a brain-based disorder that is characterzied by:
- Social skills challenges
- Sensitivity to lights and/or sounds
- Communication challenges
- Nonverbal communication
- Restricted repetitive behaviors, activities, and/or interests
According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, there is no one type of autism but many sub-types and variations in presentation. Timing and severity of autism vary; that's why a professional diagnosis is crucial.
Signs of ASD in Children from Autism Speaks
BOOKS & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
- Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
- The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder