Autism Spectrum Disorder Also called: ASD, Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) Summary Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. It includes what used to be known as Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders. It is called a “spectrum” disorder because people with ASD can have a range of symptoms. People with ASD might have problems talking with you, or they might not look you in the eye when you talk to them. They may also have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. They may spend a lot of time putting things in order, or they may say the same sentence again and again. They may often seem to be in their “own world.” At well-child checkups, the health care provider should check your child’s development. If there are signs of ASD, your child will have a comprehensive evaluation. It may include a team of specialists, doing various tests and evaluations to make a diagnosis. The causes of ASD are not known. Research suggests that both genes and environment play important roles. There is currently no one standard treatment for ASD. There are many ways to increase your child’s ability to grow and learn new skills. Starting them early can lead to better results. Treatments include behavior and communication therapies, skills training, and medicines to control symptoms. NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Mental Health Array Asperger syndrome Autism Childhood disintegrative disorder Related Issues Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Tool Kit Autism Speaks Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Related Topics Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Communication Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Is There a Connection Between Vaccines and Autism? Nemours Foundation Why Are Autism Spectrum Disorders Increasing? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Statistics and Research Autism National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Autism Data & Statistics Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Autism Spectrum Disorder: Uncovering Clues to a Complicated Condition National Institutes of Health Common Gene Variants Account for Most Genetic Risk for Autism Array Diagnostic History and Treatment of School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Special Health Care Needs National Center for Health Statistics Disorganized Cortical Patches Suggest Prenatal Origin of Autism National Institute of Mental Health Earliest Marker for Autism Found in Young Infants National Institute of Mental Health Prenatal Inflammation Linked to Autism Risk National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Children Autism Nemours Foundation Kids’ Quest: Autism Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Teenagers Autism Nemours Foundation Start Here Autism NAMI Autism Spectrum Disorder National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Autism Spectrum Disorder National Institute of Mental Health Autism Spectrum Disorder National Institute of Mental Health Autism Spectrum Disorder National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Pervasive Developmental Disorders National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Autism Center First to Study Minimally Verbal Children Autism Spectrum Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment & Research Dan Marino Helping Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders What Are Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)? Diagnosis and Tests Autism Screening and Diagnosis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Specifics Autism Spectrum Disorder Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Treatments and Therapies Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medication Treatment National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality What Are the Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Living With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Diet Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Autism through the Lifespan Autism Society Family Issues Autism Society Occupational Therapy’s Role with Autism American Occupational Therapy Association Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Psychologist Locator American Psychological Association Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Asperger Syndrome National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Autism Spectrum Disorder National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Autistic Disorder National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Child Development Disorders, Pervasive National Institutes of Health Health Check Tools Developmental Milestones Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Interactive Tools to Track Child Development Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Genetics Genetics Home Reference: 16p11.2 deletion syndrome National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: 16p11.2 duplication National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: 1q21.1 microduplication National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: 2q37 deletion syndrome National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: Asperger syndrome National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: isodicentric chromosome 15 syndrome National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: Timothy syndrome National Library of Medicine Learning about Autism National Human Genome Research Institute Journal Articles Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms Signs and Symptoms of Autism Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Latest News Short Gap Between Pregnancies Tied to Higher Autism Risk? HealthDay U.S. Autism Rate Unchanged at 1 in 68 Kids: CDC HealthDay Tracking Kids’ Eye Movements Might Shed New Light on Autism HealthDay Training Program for Those with Autism Often Results in Low-Paying Jobs HealthDay
