Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. source
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior.
Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. source
Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. source
Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood.
Early speech or behavioral interventions can help children with autism gain self-care, social, and communication skills. source
Early speech or behavioral interventions can help children with autism gain self-care, social, and communication skills.
Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful. source
Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful.
Some individuals seeking a cure and others believing autism should be accepted as a difference and not treated as a disorder. source
Some individuals seeking a cure and others believing autism should be accepted as a difference and not treated as a disorder.
Globally, autism is estimated to affect 24.8 million people as of 2015. source
Globally, autism is estimated to affect 24.8 million people as of 2015.
The rate of autism among adults aged 18 years and over in the United Kingdom is 1.1%. source
The rate of autism among adults aged 18 years and over in the United Kingdom is 1.1%.
Social deficits distinguish autism and the related autism spectrum disorders (ASD; see Classification) from other developmental disorders. source
Social deficits distinguish autism and the related autism spectrum disorders (ASD; see Classification) from other developmental disorders.
People with autism have social impairments and often lack the intuition about others that many people take for granted. source
People with autism have social impairments and often lack the intuition about others that many people take for granted.
The limited data suggest that, in children with intellectual disability, autism is associated with aggression, destruction of property, and tantrums. source
The limited data suggest that, in children with intellectual disability, autism is associated with aggression, destruction of property, and tantrums.
About a third to a half of individuals with autism do not develop enough natural speech to meet their daily communication needs. source
About a third to a half of individuals with autism do not develop enough natural speech to meet their daily communication needs.
Autism's symptoms result from maturation-related changes in various systems of the brain. source
Autism's symptoms result from maturation-related changes in various systems of the brain.
The immune system is thought to play an important role in autism. source
The immune system is thought to play an important role in autism.