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Autism

Autism - or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - is a group of developmental disabilities that most often appears during the first three years of life. It affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but are four times more likely to be found in boys than girls. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found about 1 in 150 eight-year-old children in multiple areas of the United States had an ASD.

Although more children are diagnosed with autism today than ever before, the outlook for these individuals has changed dramatically. Several decades ago, if a child was diagnosed with autism, there was little hope for leading anything close to a "normal" life. In fact, many parents were encouraged by professionals to place their child with autism into institutional care to spare the family the stress and heartache of attempting to raise the child. However, recent research has demonstrated that by providing the child with services and support at appropriate developmental levels, significant gains in most life areas can be achieved.

Causes

No one is sure what causes autism. However, researchers do have some ideas. They know that autism is at least somewhat genetic. This means that if (More)

Understanding Autism

  • Asperger Syndrome: Educational Resources
  • Autism Resources and Insurance
  • Early Intervention Can Make a Difference for Autistic Children
  • Educational Approaches for Treating Autism
  • Handling Autistic Violence in the Classroom
  • How common is autism?
  • Interventions for Stereotypical Behaviors
  • Autism (MedlinePlus)
  • Autism Information - A comprehensive list of information and resources related to autism (Department of Health and Human Services)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) (Centers for Disease Control)
  • (More)

    • Commonly Asked Questions

  • Could My Daughter Be Autistic?
  • Did Vaccines Make My Baby Stop Babbling?
  • Do Autism Symptoms Disappear Over Time?
  • Does Insurance Cover My Son's Autism Treatment?
  • How Do I Deal with Episodes of Violence?
  • Is Autism Caused by a Translocation of Chromosomes 1 & 4?
  • Is My Toddler Exhibiting Signs of Autism?
  • When Do I Tell My Son that He Has Autism?
  • Why Do More Females Have Rett Syndrome?
  • Will My Adopted Baby Have Autism?

    • Additional Information

  • Symptoms and Tests
  • Treatment
  • The Body
  • Research Studies
  • Info by Age, Ethnicity, Sex

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