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Don’t fight Autism spectrum disorder alone.
Find your community on the free RareGuru App.Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects the development of social and communication skills. It includes features of four conditions which were once thought to be separate syndromes - autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. Signs and symptoms often become apparent in the first 2-3 years of life and vary significantly from person to person. Common symptoms shared by people with ASD include restrictive and repetitive behaviors, social impairment and communication difficulties. The underlying cause of ASD is generally unknown and it is likely that a variety of factors contribute to the development of the condition. ASD appears to run in some families, suggesting that genetics may play a role in some cases. Although there is no cure for ASD, treatment is available that significantly improves the long-term outlook for affected people. Treatment often includes a combination of techniques such as medications, occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy.
Source: GARD Last updated on 05-01-20
The signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder generally become apparent in the first two to three years of life and vary significantly from person to person. In general, common features shared by people with ASD include restrictive and repetitive behaviors, social impairment and communication difficulties.
Restrictive and repetitive behaviors:
Social impairment:
Communication difficulties:
Last updated on 05-01-20
The underlying cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is generally unknown. Scientists suspect that it is a multifactorial condition, meaning that a variety of factors (both genetic and environmental) likely contribute to the development of the condition.
Known risk factors for ASD include:
Of note, no scientific evidence for a relationship between vaccines and autism has been identified.
Last updated on 05-01-20
A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be suspected in young children who are not meeting typical social and language milestones. Although medical tests (i.e. blood tests, imaging studies, a hearing test) may be ordered to rule out other conditions that can be associated with similar features, there is not specific test available to confirm a diagnosis of ASD. Instead, a diagnosis is often based on guidelines from a medical book called Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A team of specialists with knowledge of standardized testing of autism may evaluate the following abilities to support a diagnosis:
Last updated on 05-01-20
Although there is currently no cure for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), available treatment programs significantly improve the outlook for most affected children. Treatment plans may include a combination of the following techniques, including:
For more information about the treatment and management of ASD please visit the MedlinePlus or Medscape Reference websites.
Last updated on 05-01-20
The Autism Speaks organization has information about the many opportunities that are available for families who want to participate in autism research. Click on the link to learn more about the way families can participate.
Last updated on 04-27-20
The Investigation of Genetic Exome Research (TIGER) study is enrolling research participants ages 4 to adult to participate in a study exploring how specific genetic events may contribute to Autism Spectrum Disorders and related developmental disorders. Click on the link for a list of gene mutations currently being studied. If you are interested in learning more, please contact the study coordinator at 206-616-2889 or rablab@uw.edu.
Last updated on 04-27-20
The National Database for Autism Research (NDAR) is a collaborative biomedical informatics system being created by the National Institute of Health (NIH) to provide a national resource to support and accelerate research in autism.
Last updated on 04-27-20
The Autism Society of America is a support organization for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Click on the link to view their information page on ASD.
Last updated on 04-27-20
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