Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition caused by a faulty nervous system that leads to abnormal brain function. The term spectrum in the disorder name indicates a number of possible symptoms and degrees of severity. In addition, autism spectrum disorder now includes a number of conditions that had previously been separated and include autism, Asperger’s, childhood disintegrative disorder, and more.

Just because the interactive and behavioral symptoms of those on the autism spectrum can be debilitating and cause tremendous anxiety doesn’t mean they will be similar for everyone. Getting treatment early and having a supportive family and teachers will make a tremendous difference for most people.

The CDC stated in 2020 that in the US, 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with an autism disorder, and in data from 2016, the ratio for diagnosis in girls was 1 in 144 and 1 in 34 for boys.

Asperger’s vs Autism
People often get confused between Asperger’s and autism. With Asperger syndrome, the symptoms tend to be milder compared to those of “classic” autism, and language and cognitive abilities — emotional, intellectual, mental, and subjective abilities—aren’t affected in those with ASD. Both ASD and autism fall under the category of ASD.