Autism Spectrum Research
One out of every 88 children in the US is affected by an autism spectrum disorder. They occur more often among boys than girls. While autism appears to be on the rise, it's unclear whether the growing number of diagnoses shows a real increase or comes from improved detection. Early diagnosis is important, as early treatment can help a child with autism make significant gains in language and social skills. Autism spectrum disorders affect social interaction, nonverbal and verbal communication, behaviors, and interests.
Sometimes, a child's development is delayed from birth. Some children seem to develop normally before they suddenly lose social or language skills. Others show normal development until they have enough language to demonstrate unusual thoughts and preoccupations. While parents are first to notice that something is wrong, a diagnosis of autism is often delayed. Parents or a physician may downplay early signs of autism, suggesting the symptoms are "just a phase” or a sign of a minor delay in development. Children who may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder should be evaluated by a professional team with experience in diagnosing autism.
The three main types of ASD are Asperger’s syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Autistic disorder. Asperger’s syndrome is the mildest form of autism. It affects boys three times more than girls. Children with AS become obsessively interested in a single object or topic. They often learn all about their preferred subject and discuss it nonstop. Their social skills, however, are markedly impaired, and they are often awkward and uncoordinated. Children with AS frequently have normal to above average intelligence. As a result, some doctors call it "high-functioning autism." However, as children with Aspergers enter adulthood, they are at high risk for anxiety and depression.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) applies to must children with
Sometimes, a child's development is delayed from birth. Some children seem to develop normally before they suddenly lose social or language skills. Others show normal development until they have enough language to demonstrate unusual thoughts and preoccupations. While parents are first to notice that something is wrong, a diagnosis of autism is often delayed. Parents or a physician may downplay early signs of autism, suggesting the symptoms are "just a phase” or a sign of a minor delay in development. Children who may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder should be evaluated by a professional team with experience in diagnosing autism.
The three main types of ASD are Asperger’s syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Autistic disorder. Asperger’s syndrome is the mildest form of autism. It affects boys three times more than girls. Children with AS become obsessively interested in a single object or topic. They often learn all about their preferred subject and discuss it nonstop. Their social skills, however, are markedly impaired, and they are often awkward and uncoordinated. Children with AS frequently have normal to above average intelligence. As a result, some doctors call it "high-functioning autism." However, as children with Aspergers enter adulthood, they are at high risk for anxiety and depression.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) applies to must children with