Developmental Disorders

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disability that affects a person’s behavior and communication skills. ASD has a range of symptoms that vary in severity. People with ASD may have problems with social skills. They may also have speech delay. Some people with ASD may show repetitive or restrictive behaviors.

Who is Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Data from Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) in 2016:

• According to the CDC, ASD affects about 1 in 54 children in the U.S.
• ASD affects all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic populations.
• Boys are more than 4 times as likely than girls to be diagnosed with ASD.

What Are the Symptoms?

According to the CDC, symptoms commonly appear within in the first 2 years of life.

• Not responding to their name by 12 months of age.
• Not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 months (point at an airplane flying over).
• Not playing “pretend” games by 18 months (pretend to “feed” a doll).
• Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone.
• Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings.
• Having delayed speech and language skills.
• Repeating words or phrases over and over.
• Giving unrelated answers to questions.
• Getting upset by minor changes.
• Having obsessive interests.
• Flapping their hands, rocking their body or spinning in circles.
• Having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html

Diagnosis and Treatment

ASD is diagnosed by trained healthcare professionals. They will watch a child’s behavior and development. Autism Screening Tools are commonly used by providers to help the diagnostic process. There is no cure for ASD, but early intervention services (birth to 36 months) can improve a child’s development. Symptoms can be managed with treatment to improve functionality. For additional information about diagnosis and treatment, please contact your child’s doctor.

National and Local Support

• State early intervention programs can help young children develop skills.
• The Autism Society of Indiana provides resources for families seeking treatment in Indiana.
• The Color of Autism Foundation provides culturally competent support to families in the U.S.
• An IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, is available for qualified children to receive services prior to the start of formal education.

Additional Resources

• CDC https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
• The Color of Autism Foundation https://www.thecolorofautism.org/
• Autism Research Institute https://www.autism.org/screening-assessment/
• The Autism Society of Indiana https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act https://sites.ed.gov/idea/parents-families/

Page last revised 8/13/2021 by JWeaver