En Español (Spanish Version)

by Polsdorfer R

Conditions InDepth: Autism

Autism is a complex neurological disorder. It may or may not be noticed during infancy. It is usually identified during early childhood between the ages of 2-6 years. People with autism have difficulty communicating and forming relationships.
Autism spectrum disorders include autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder. Autism is a lifelong condition that varies in severity depending on the person. Some people with autism need to be cared for their entire life and have other conditions, such as seizures and intellectual disabilities. Others are able to live on their own and work.
The exact cause of autism is not known. Researchers have identified the following factors that may increase a person's risk of developing autism:
  • Genetic factors
  • Environmental factors
  • Problems during pregnancy or delivery that could interfere with brain development
  • Exposure to environmental toxins
What are the risk factors for autism?What are the symptoms of autism?How is autism diagnosed?What are the treatments for autism?Are there screening tests for autism?How can I reduce my child's risk of autism?What questions should I ask my doctor?What is it like to live with autism?Where can I get more information about autism?

References

Autism 101: a free online course. The Autism Society website. Available at: http://support.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about%5Fcourse . Accessed May 14, 2013.

Autism spectrum disorders. American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org website. Available at: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/Pages/Autism-Spectrum-Disorders.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token. Updated January 31, 2013. Accessed May 13, 2013.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html . Updated August 7, 2012. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml . Updated May 14, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Causes. The Autism Society website. Available at: http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/causes. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Rapin I. An 8-year-old boy with autism. JAMA . 2001;285:1749-1757.

12/31/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us: Rice C. Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders—Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, United States, 2006. MMWR Surveill Summ . 2009;58(SS10):1.

Revision Information

Health Library Search

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1 Autism condition

Autism is a spectrum of complex brain disorders. The disorders result in social, behavioral, and communication problems. Other conditions that are part of this spectrum i...

2 Asperger Syndrome condition

Asperger syndrome is a neurological disorder resulting in a group of social and behavioral symptoms. It is part of a category of conditions called autism spectrum disorde...

3 Diagnosis of Autism condition indepth
5 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Autism condition indepth
6 Medications for Autism condition indepth
7 Reducing the Risk of Autism condition indepth
8 Risk Factors for Autism condition indepth
9 Screening for Autism condition indepth
10 Symptoms of Autism condition indepth
11 Talking to Your Doctor About Autism condition indepth
12 Treatments for Autism condition indepth
13 Resource Guide for Autism condition indepth
14 Raising a Child With Autism: The Basics lifestyle - kids' & teens' health

Caring for a child with autism can be a challenge. But by following a few basic guidelines outlined in this article, you can make things easier for you and your child....