These pages are addressed to the parents of a child who has autism.
Autism is a complex neurological disorder. It may or may not be noticed during infancy. It is usually identified during early childhood (aged 2-6 years). People with autism have difficulty communicating and forming relationships.
Autism spectrum disorders, which include autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder, affect about 1 in 110 American children aged 3-17 years old. It may affect more boys than girls. Autism is a lifelong condition that varies in severity depending on the person. Some people with autism need to be cared for their entire life and have other conditions, such as seizures and intellectual disabilities. Others are able to live on their own and work.
The exact cause of autism is not known. Researchers have identified the following factors that may increase a person's risk of developing autism:
- Genetic factors
- Environmental factors
- Problems during pregnancy or delivery that could interfere with brain development
- Exposure to environmental toxins
What are the treatments for autism?
What is it like to live with autism?
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12/31/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
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