What is ASD?
ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder. ASD is the name of the group for developmental disorders. It is the fastest growing developmental disability (CDC, 2008). There is a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability (NIMH, 2016). Although, just because a child may have ASD symptoms, it does not mean your child has it! Lead poisoning may result in symptoms very alike as ASD (Help Guide, 2017).
Patients with ASD may face challenges of social skills, repetitive behavior, speech, nonverbal communication. There is many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences (AutismSpeaks, N.D.). Autism Spectrum Disorder is called that because there's a range of severity you can have the disorder. But everyone with ASD has some type of problem of social interaction, empathy, communication, and flexible behavior (Help Guide, 2017).
There is High-functioning autism, Atypical autism, Pervasive developmental disorder and much more.
ASD is common in 1 of every 68 children. Males are four times more likely to have ASD than girls; 1 in 42 boys or 1 in 189 girls. (CDC, 2016). 1% of the world has ASD (CDC, 2014).
3.5 million americans are diagnosed with some type of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Buescher et al., 2014)
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is reported that ASD can occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Parents who have one child with ASD, is more likely by 2-18% of having a second child. Having twins can increase the chances of having the other twin with ASD if one is already diagnosed. ASD occurs more with people with genetic or chromosomal disorders. 10% of children with ASD have down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis or other disorders.
Children who are born prematurely or with low-birth weight are at a greater risk of having a form of ASD.
National Institute of Mental Health (N.D). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml?utm_source=rss_readersutm_medium=rssutm_campaign=rss_full