DISORDERS OF

AUTISTIC
SPECTRUM
Disorders Of Developm
the ent

One in 160 children has autism

spectrum disorder (ASD).
They are classified by degree of
severity: mild, moderate or severe. It
includes conditions such as: autistic

Autism spectrum disorder is a disease

related to brain development that affects SM-
the way a person perceives and

socializes with other people, causing
problems in social interaction and
communication.
5
disorder, Asperger syndrome and
pervasive developmental disorder not
otherwise specified, among others.

According to the DSM-5, people
with autism spectrum disorders
have difficulty communicating
and interacting with other
people, limited interests, and
repetitive behaviors.
Autism spectrum disorders occur in all ethnic,
racial, and economic groups. While they can
last a lifetime, treatments and services can
improve the symptoms and ability to function
for people with autism spectrum disorders.

FREQUENT
BEHAVIORS
- Persistent and clinically significant impairments in communication and social
interaction.
- Presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior,
interests, and activities.
- Symptoms must present in early childhood, although they may
not fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capabilities.
- The set of symptoms creates interference in day-to-day
functioning.

HAT ARE THE CAUSES?

not have a single known cause. Considering the
of the disorder and the fact that symptoms and
ry, there are likely many causes. Genetics and
nt can play a role.
 RISK FACTOR'S
Some factors that increase the risk
include: - Your child's sex. Boys are
four times more likely to have autism
spectrum disorder than girls. - Family
background.
- Other disorders.
- Extremely premature babies. - Parents' age.
Not everyone who has these risk
factors will have autism.

DIAGNOSIS
diagnose autism spectrum disorders by observing a person's behavior and development. An
spectrum disorder can usually be reliably diagnosed by the age of two.

IN CHILDREN IN
ADULTS
In young children it is usually a two-stage autism spectrum
process: the first is the evaluation of disorders in
general development during the adults than in
children's periodic check-ups. And the children. In
second is, an additional evaluation adults, some autism spectrum symptoms
carried out by a team of doctors and may overlap with symptoms of other
other health professionals who are mental health disorders. They are
experts in diagnosing ASD. referred to a neuropsychologist,
It is often more difficult to diagnose psychologist, or psychiatrist with
experience in ASD.

TREATMENT
Treatment for autism spectrum
disorders should begin as soon as
possible after diagnosis. Early
treatment is important because proper
care can decrease the difficulties
people have while helping them learn
new skills and make the most of their
strengths. Among these treatments are:
- Medications.
- Behavioral, psychological and
educational therapy.

"AUTISM IS NOT A TRAGEDY,

TRAGEDY IS IGNORANCE"

RENOVATED