Autism spectrum disorders

[Kai]

Autism spectrum disorders are conditions in which people have difficulty developing normal social relationships, use language abnormally or not at all, and show restricted or repetitive behaviors.

Affected people have difficulty communicating with and relating to others.
People with an autism spectrum disorder also have restricted patterns of behavior, interests, and/or activities and often follow rigid routines.
Diagnosis is based on observation, reports of parents and other caregivers, and standardized autism-specific screening tests.
Most people respond best to highly structured behavioral interventions.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders.
Autism spectrum disorders are considered a spectrum (range) of disorders because the manifestations vary widely in type and severity. Previously, ASDs were subclassified into classic autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. However, doctors currently do not use this terminology and consider these all as ASDs (except for Rett syndrome, which is a distinct genetic disorder). ASDs are different from intellectual disability, although many people with ASDs have both. The classification system emphasizes that, within the broad spectrum, different features may occur more or less strongly in a given individual.
These disorders occur in about 1 of 59 people and are 4 times more common among boys than among girls. The estimated number of people identified with an autism spectrum disorder has risen because doctors and caregivers have learned more about the symptoms of the disorder.