Autism Education & Resources

Autism was not clearly defined until 1980 when the disorder was included in the DSM-III. Before that time, some cases of autism spectrum disorder may have been mistaken for other conditions. Between 1995 and 2011, the DSM-IV grouped Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) with autism. Asperger’s syndrome was an autism spectrum disorder marked by strong verbal language skills and, often, high intellectual ability. PDD-NOS was a more general diagnosis for people who did not fit clearly into the other two categories. Families who care for an autistic child face added stress from a number of different causes.

An Autistic Pride flag at a “Pride is a Protest” march in June 2021.Autism is correlated or comorbid with several personality traits/disorders. Comorbidity may increase with age and may worsen the course of youth with ASDs and make intervention and treatment more difficult. Distinguishing between ASDs and other diagnoses can be challenging because the traits of ASDs often overlap with symptoms of other disorders, and the characteristics of ASDs make traditional diagnostic procedures difficult. One of the greatest controversies in autism spectrum disorder centers on whether a link exists between the disorder and childhood vaccines.

Clinical Research

Autism often has an impact on education and employment opportunities. In addition, the demands on families providing care and support can be significant. Societal attitudes and the level of support provided by local and national authorities are important factors determining the quality of life of people with autism. For many years, a diagnosis of autism was rare, occurring in just one child out of 2,000.

Medical Professionals

A study of more than 4.9 million births that took place in the U.S. state of California between 1990 and 1999 revealed that about 5 percent of the nearly 12,160 children who later developed autism were born to older mothers. Mothers 40 years or older had the highest risk of giving birth to a child who would later develop autism. In contrast, older paternal age was a risk factor only when maternal age was 30 or younger. The underlying reasons for those associations, however, were unclear. Explore the tool to see autism spectrum disorder prevalence estimates and demographic characteristics at the national, state, and community levels. All people, including people with autism, have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

CDC has developed materials to help you track your child’s developmental milestones and share that progress, or any concerns, with your child’s doctor at every check-up. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors. But there are many ways to help minimize the symptoms and maximize abilities. People who have ASD have the best chance of using all of their abilities and skills if they receive appropriate therapies and interventions. Together, we are creating a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. Campaign with us Join us and help create a society that works for autistic people.

Patient Online Services helps busy mom keep her family healthier

Sensory abnormalities are found in over 90% of autistic people, and are considered core features by some. Higher rates of self-injury are also noted in socially isolated people with autism. Studies have shown that socialization skills are related factors to self-injurious behavior for people with autism. A history of neurodevelopmental conditions or mental health conditions.

Read more about Autistic here.