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What exactly is autism?

What exactly is autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.

What are signs of autism?

At any age

  • Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills.
  • Avoidance of eye contact.
  • Persistent preference for solitude.
  • Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings.
  • Delayed language development.
  • Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
  • Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings.

What does autism do to a person?

People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things.

What are the 5 levels of autism?

Key Types of Autism Asperger’s. Pervasive Development Disorder. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Rett’s Syndrome. Classical Autism.

What is the most likely cause of autism?

The exact cause of ASD is unknown. The most current research demonstrates that there’s no single cause. Some of the suspected risk factors for autism include: having an immediate family member with autism. genetic mutations. fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorders. being born to older parents.

What does autism have to do with it?

Autism is something people are born with. No one knows exactly what causes it. It probably has something to do with a kid’s genes and other things that change the way the brain develops. How Is Autism Diagnosed? Doctors check babies and little kids for signs of autism at every checkup.

What are common characteristics of autism?

CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM. Autism is distinguished by a pattern of symptoms rather than one single symptom. The main characteristics are impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.