GENERAL AUTISM INFORMATION

What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD's) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. People with ASD handle information in their brain differently than other people.

How do children get autism?
Doctors don't know exactly what causes autism. Experts think it is probably a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although scientists haven't yet pinpointed exactly why some people develop autism, they do know that things like vaccines or bad parenting do not cause it.

Is autism common?
Autism isn't as rare a disability as many people think. Autism is estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 68 individuals (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Autism is four to five times more prevalent in boys than in girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, life-style, and educational levels do not affect the chance of a child having autism.

When are children diagnosed with autism?
Diagnosing autism can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors look at the child's behavior and development to make a diagnosis. Autism is usually diagnosed when a child is between 1½ and 4 years old. The best way to identify autism is to watch how a child behaves and communicates. Parents can help by telling the doctor how the child acts at home. Psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, or developmental pediatricians all can diagnose autism. In order to do this, the specialist compares the child's level of development and behavior with those of other kids the same age.

Is every autistic child the same?
No! Autism is considered a spectrum disorder. This means that the severity of symptoms differs in each person with ASD. Two people with the same spectrum disorder may not act alike or have the same skills.

Is there a cure for autism?
There's no cure for autism. But kids with autism can learn skills that help them do things that are hard for them, whether it's communicating with others or crossing a street safely. It is important to remember that doctors and specialists cannot pinpoint a clear cause.
Many families begin treatment when the child is very young; as soon as they're diagnosed. Since autism manifests itself differently in different people, treatment varies from child to child. The same specialists who help diagnose a child usually work together to come up with the best combination of therapies.
A treatment program might include:

Due to the dramatic increase in ASD diagnosis, there are currently more funded studies around the globe relating to examining the characteristics of ASD, investigating the causes of ASD, and developing effective interventions for ASD than ever before. Children with autism generally experience social and communication deficits and often engage in repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities.