Autism Spectrum Disorder

About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent differences in social communication and interaction, together with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. Social features can include differences in back and forth conversation and sharing of emotions, in nonverbal communication such as eye contact and gestures, and in developing and maintaining relationships. Repetitive features can include repetitive movements such as hand flapping or rocking, insistence on sameness and routines, intensely focused interests, and unusually high or low responses to sensory input. Signs are present in early childhood, though diagnosis may come later, particularly in girls and in people without intellectual disability who may mask their traits. DSM-5 merged earlier diagnoses, including Asperger syndrome, into a single spectrum and specifies three levels of support need. Reported prevalence in the United States has risen substantially over recent decades, which is largely attributed to broader criteria and improved recognition. Autism frequently co occurs with ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems, epilepsy, gastrointestinal issues and intellectual disability, and some autistic people speak little or not at all. Support may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, educational support and behavioral interventions; applied behavior analysis is widely studied but debated within the autism community. Many autistic people and advocates emphasize acceptance and accommodation alongside support.