About Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in the nation.

ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent data released in 2023 by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that autism affects 1 in every 36 children nationwide, with boys being 4 times as likely to be identified with autism than girls.

Individuals with autism usually exhibit at least half of the traits listed below. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary in intensity:

• Difficulty interacting with other children
• insistence on sameness; resists changes in routine
• Does not point
• No real fear of dangers
• Little or no eye contact
• Sustained odd play
• Apparent insensitivity to pain
• Echolalia (repeating words or phrases in place of normal language)
• Prefers to be alone; aloof manner
• uneven gross/fine motor skills
• may resist cuddling
• Spins objects
• Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf
• inappropriate attachment to objects
• Difficulty in expressing needs
• Noticeable physical over activity or extreme under activity
• tantrums; may display extreme distress for no apparent reason
• unresponsive to normal teaching methods

Please note this symptom list is not a substitute for a full-scale diagnostic assessment. Consult your healthcare provider to obtain a complete diagnostic evaluation.

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