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Autism Spectrum
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, including deficits in social reciprocity, nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, and skills in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships. In addition to the social communication deficits, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder requires the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Within the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, individual clinical characteristics are noted through the use of specifiers (with or without accompanying intellectual impairment; with or without accompanying structural language impairment; etc.). For example, many individuals previously diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder would now receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder without language or intellectual impairment.
Austim Spectrum Websites
Autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research, increasing awareness and advocating for individuals and families with autism.
National Institute of Mental Health
Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation
