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Overview
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental conditions characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Autistic disorder, sometimes called autism or classical ASD, is the most severe form of ASD, while other conditions along the spectrum include a milder form known as Asperger syndrome as well as childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Although ASD varies significantly in features and severity, it occurs worldwide and affects every age group.[1] Experts estimate that 1 out of 110 children will have an ASD. Males are more likely to have an ASD than females.[2]
References
- Autism Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm. Accessed October 19, 2011.
- About Autism. Autism Society of America. http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/. Accessed October 19, 2011.
Your Questions Answered
by the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center4 question(s) from the public on Autism spectrum disorders have been answered. See questions and answers. You can also submit a new question.
On this page
General Information
- The Autism Society of America is a support organization for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Click on the link to view their information page on ASD.
- MedlinePlus, a Web site designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, provides more information about this topic. Click on the link to view this information.
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- The National Institutes of Health has links to information on autism on its Health Information page.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Autism spectrum disorders. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
- The The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Autism spectrum disorders. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.
Selected Full-Text Journal Articles
- Schaefer GB, Mendelsohn NJ, Professional Practice and Guidelines Committee. Clinical genetics evaluation in identifying the etiology of autism spectrum disorders. Genet Med 2008:10(4):301-305.
Diagrams/Images
- The Autism Speaks has developed a new Video Glossary, an innovative web-based tool designed to help parents and professionals learn more about the early red flags and diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This glossary contains more than 150 video clips and is free of charge.
Resources for Kids
- The Family Village Web site has a state by state list of summer camps for kids and teens with a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, skin conditions, bleeding disorders, diabetes, physical or intellectual disability and others.