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AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

According Wikipedia: 

"Autism spectrum, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a range of mental disorders of the neurodevelopmental type. It includes autism and Asperger syndrome. Individuals on the autistic spectrum often experience difficulties with social communication and interaction and may exhibit restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Symptoms are typically recognized between one and two years of age. Long-term problems may include difficulties in performing daily tasks, creating and keeping relationships, and maintaining a job.

 

The cause of autism spectrum is uncertain. Risk factors include having an older parent, a family history of autism, and certain genetic conditions. It is estimated that between 64% and 91% of risk is due to family history. Diagnosis is based on symptoms. The DSM-5 redefined the autism spectrum disorders to encompass the previous diagnoses of autism, Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and childhood disintegrative disorder.

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Treatment efforts are generally individualized, and can include behavioral therapy and the teaching of coping skills. Medications may be used to try to help improve symptoms. Evidence to support the use of medications, however, is not very strong.

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Autism spectrum is estimated to affect about 1% of people (62.2 million globally) as of 2015. In the United States it is estimated to affect more than 2% of children (about 1.5 million) as of 2016. Males are diagnosed four times more often than females. The term "spectrum" can refer to the range of symptoms or their severity, leading some to favor a distinction between severely disabled people with autism who cannot speak or look after themselves, and higher functioning people with autism." 

 

Resources

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"If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."

-Stephen Shore

Good Reads

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On the Internet

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Books

  • All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism - by Shaina Rudolf and Danielle Royer 

  • Alone Together: Making an Asperger Marriage Work - by Katrin Bentley

  • Freak, Geeks & Aspergers Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence - by Luke Johnson

  • I am Aspeien Girl - by Tania Marshall

  • My Brother Charlie - by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete

  • NeuroTribes - by Steve Silberman

  • Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew - by Ellen Notbohm

  • The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome - by Tony Attwood

  • The Explosive Child  - by Ross W Greene

  • The Reason I Jump - by Naoki Higashida

  • Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs Parent  - by Diane Dokko Kim

  • Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism - by Barry M Prizan

 

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