Autism 101
Autism Spectrum Disorders can be mild or profound, and may include a surprising range of symptoms, quirks, talents and abilities. Learn more about autism -- from the early signs to diagnosis, prognosis, and important first steps.
Screening and Diagnosis of Autism
How do professionals screen for and diagnose autism?
How do professionals screen for and diagnose autism?
Symptoms of Autism
Autistic people may have a range of symptoms, including physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional differences.
Autistic people may have a range of symptoms, including physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional differences.
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
The DMV-IV is the medical text which defines how a disorder should be diagnosed. In it, Autistic Spectrum Disorders are defined by six characteristics. Your practitioner or evaluation team should use the DMV-IV definitions to diagnose you or your child.
The DMV-IV is the medical text which defines how a disorder should be diagnosed. In it, Autistic Spectrum Disorders are defined by six characteristics. Your practitioner or evaluation team should use the DMV-IV definitions to diagnose you or your child.
Early Signs of Autism
With so many headlines about autism, many parents are worried about their child's development. How do you know whether a delay or difference is really significant? How do you decide whether your child should see a professional? Here are some of the red flag symptoms to look for.
With so many headlines about autism, many parents are worried about their child's development. How do you know whether a delay or difference is really significant? How do you decide whether your child should see a professional? Here are some of the red flag symptoms to look for.
What Are the Autism Spectrum Disorders?
The way the media presents it, you'd think that autism is autism. But not so. In fact, "autism" is actually a collection of diagnoses, each a little different from the others. At its most severe, autism is sometimes termed "classic autism." But what are the other autism spectrum diagnoses?
The way the media presents it, you'd think that autism is autism. But not so. In fact, "autism" is actually a collection of diagnoses, each a little different from the others. At its most severe, autism is sometimes termed "classic autism." But what are the other autism spectrum diagnoses?
Best Intelligence Test for an Autistic Child
If your autistic child was given an intelligence test, chances are it didn't do a great job of measuring his IQ. Children with autism develop and communicate differently, so practitioners should measure their intelligence with different tools.
If your autistic child was given an intelligence test, chances are it didn't do a great job of measuring his IQ. Children with autism develop and communicate differently, so practitioners should measure their intelligence with different tools.
Don't Worry - These Things Do NOT Cause Autism!
As parents hear more and more about autism in the news, they worry that anything they do (or don't do) could cause the disorder. In fact, while there is debate about what causes autism, it's clear that many things cannot cause autism.
As parents hear more and more about autism in the news, they worry that anything they do (or don't do) could cause the disorder. In fact, while there is debate about what causes autism, it's clear that many things cannot cause autism.
Symptoms of Autism NOT Listed in the Diagnostic Literature
The official symptoms of autism include lack of eye contact, speech delay and repetitive behaviors. So why are parents seeking treatments to help their children sleep, handle sensory overloads, cope with anxiety, digest food, or end seizure disorders?[p] Many - in fact most - people with autism have symptoms that have nothing to do with social interaction. So far, we don't know whether autism is …
The official symptoms of autism include lack of eye contact, speech delay and repetitive behaviors. So why are parents seeking treatments to help their children sleep, handle sensory overloads, cope with anxiety, digest food, or end seizure disorders?[p] Many - in fact most - people with autism have symptoms that have nothing to do with social interaction. So far, we don't know whether autism is …
Autism Information You Need to Know - Top Ten Autism Facts
Autism is a complex topic - but what are the MOST important things to know about autism? This quick top 10 article includes the most imortant autism facts, plus links to learn more. Share it with your mom, your child's teacher, or anyone else who asks "What is autism, anyway?"
Autism is a complex topic - but what are the MOST important things to know about autism? This quick top 10 article includes the most imortant autism facts, plus links to learn more. Share it with your mom, your child's teacher, or anyone else who asks "What is autism, anyway?"
Top Autism Myths
If you're new to the autism spectrum, you may have built your picture of autism from media stories. But it's important not to believe everything you see or hear!
If you're new to the autism spectrum, you may have built your picture of autism from media stories. But it's important not to believe everything you see or hear!
Top Ten Autism Sites
There's an incredible glut of information about autism available on the web. Some is outstanding; some is ... not so outstanding. These top ten sites are reliable resources that offer solid information, useful advice, and fascinating insights into the world of autism.
There's an incredible glut of information about autism available on the web. Some is outstanding; some is ... not so outstanding. These top ten sites are reliable resources that offer solid information, useful advice, and fascinating insights into the world of autism.
Autism Coverage from About.com’s Pediatrics Guide
This article covers the basics and much more. Be sure to read the case descriptions, quotes from adults with autism, and information about treatment and prognosis.
This article covers the basics and much more. Be sure to read the case descriptions, quotes from adults with autism, and information about treatment and prognosis.