- Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects development in core areas, especially language and social communication. A brain development disorder, it is typically recognized as early as three years old, although many people do not receive a diagnosis until later in life.
- Recent estimates suggest ASDs are diagnosed in 1 of 68 Americans (actual prevalence rates are likely higher), and 1 in 42 boys have an ASD. In fact, boys are five times more likely to have a diagnosis than girls, because their symptoms present differently.
- Autism is considered a “spectrum disorder” and encompasses classic autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Development Disorder.
- People who experience autism often encounter difficulty maintaining employment or accessing community opportunities.
- Autism can adversely affect social and communication skills, as well as cause repetitive behaviors and/or restricted interests. In addition, many people with autism describe atypical sensory processing.
- ASDs are also commonly associated with a range of unique strengths, such as a fine attention to detail, strong inductive reasoning skills, logical approach to problem solving, and specialization within a particular area of interest.