To start things off there are a few things you should know about A.S.D
ASD is not caused by vaccines
Autism is a spectrum
Autism is not contagious
Autism is not always low functioning
Here are a few facts about A.S.D or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. These disorders are usually problems that deal with communication and social interaction. People with ASD often demonstrate restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior.
ASD is found all around the world, regardless of race, culture, or economic background. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Autism does occur more often in boys than in girls, with a 4 male to 1 female ratio. The CDC estimated in 2014 that nearly 1 in 59 children have been identified with ASD. There are indications that instances of ASD are on the rise. However, experts debate whether there’s an actual increase in cases or just more frequent diagnoses.
Someone can be diagnosed with one or more specifiers. Prior to the DSM-5, people on the autism spectrum may have been diagnosed with one of the following disorders Autistic disorder Asperger’s syndrome pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) childhood disintegrative disorder. It’s important to note that a person who received one of these earlier diagnoses hasn’t lost their diagnosis and won’t need to be reevaluated. According to the DSM-5, the broader diagnosis of ASD encompasses disorders such as Asperger’s syndrome.
Autism symptoms typically become clearly evident during early childhood, between 12 and 24 months of age. However, symptoms may also appear earlier or later. Early symptoms may include a marked delay in language or social development. The DSM-5 divides symptoms of autism into two categories: problems with communication and social interaction, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities includes:
Issues with communication, difficulty sharing emotions, sharing interests, or maintaining conversation.
Issues with maintaining eye contact or reading body language.
Difficulties developing and maintaining relationships.
Repetitive movements, motions, or speech patterns.
Rigid adherence to specific routines or behaviors.
An increase or decrease in sensitivity to specific sensory information a negative reaction to a specific sound.
Fixated interests or preoccupations.
The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and is used by clinicians to diagnose a variety of psychiatric disorders. The fifth and most recent edition of the DSM was released in 2013. The DSM-5 currently recognizes five different ASD subtypes, or specifiers.
With or without accompanying intellectual impairment.
With or without accompanying language impairment.
Associated with a known medical or genetic condition or environmental factor.
Associated with another neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioral disorder with catatonia.