What is Autism ?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder affecting communication, behavior, and social interaction. It is termed a "spectrum" disorder due to its wide range of symptoms and levels of impairment. 

Diagnosis and Treatment:

- Diagnosis is based on observation of communication, social interaction, and behaviors.

No cure exists, but early intervention and therapies can improve quality of life.

Treatments include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, and social skills training.

Prevalence:

In the U.S., ASD affects about 1 in 36 children and approximately 5,437,988 adults.

Worldwide, about 1% of the population is affected.

The exact cause of autism is not known, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis is typically based on behavioral observations and developmental history, and it can be identified as early as 18 months of age.

CDC  ( the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention )  provide a wealth information on early signs of autism 

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/autism/publications/adults-living-with-autism-spectrum-disorder.html