Autism is a complex, developmental disability that is usually evident within the first three (3) years of life. It is a behaviorally-defined syndrome that is generally recognized by difficulties in communication, social interaction and perceptual organization, or patterns of behavior. Autism is referred to as a "spectrum disorder" meaning that individuals diagnosed may have a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders may display a wide range of skills and deficits.
AUTISM IS...
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usually evident in the first three (3) years of life
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a lifelong, neuro-developmental disability for which there currently is no cure
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identified 4 to 5 times more frequently in males than females
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For 2020, 1 in 36 children, by 8 years old, (approximately 4% of boys and 1% of girls) was estimated to have ASD (CDC, 2023)
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more common than Downs Syndrome, childhood cancer and Fragile X Syndrome
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a behaviorally-defined syndrome diagnosed/verified by multidisciplinary team of professionals
AUTISM IS NOT...
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a mental illness
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caused by poor parenting or "refrigerator mothers"
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always associated with mental impairment
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always associated with behavioral challenges
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diagnosed by a single medical test or brief observation