Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent impairments in social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. There is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience with ASD. These symptoms can affect one’s ability to function in school, work and other areas of life.
While ASD can be identified at any stage of life, it typically manifests in early childhood. Early signs of this disorder can be observed by parents/caregivers or pediatricians before a child reaches one year of age. ASD can typically be reliably diagnosed by age 2. Research shows that starting an intervention program as soon as possible can improve outcomes for many children on the autism spectrum. Explore AMA resources on this topic.
