What is ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a complex developmental disability that is the result of neurological differences in the brain. ASD can impact an individual’s ability to communicate, understand language, and relate to others. The term “spectrum” is used because the range of charac-teristics can occur in any combination and require varied levels of support. Every individual with ASD is unique in their abilities and challenges. At this time, there is no known etiology or reason for the neurological differences. Researchers continue to investigate a number of theories, including the impact of genetic and environmental influences.
Primary Characteristics
Every individual with ASD is different. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify disorders, including ASD. The DSM 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), released in 2022, provides the current criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder based on the latest research and science. These criteria must be present during childhood, even if diagnosed later in life, and include:
1. Persistent differences in social communication and interaction. Characteristics may include difficulty with the following:
2. Presence of restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. Characteristics may include the following:
The Latest in ASD
Recent reports estimate that as many as one in every 36 children in the United States has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Considered to be a lifelong neurological developmental disability, ASD affects individuals from all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. ASD is nearly four times more common in boys, with the first signs typically appearing before the age of three. The number of individuals diagnosed with ASD has dramatically increased in Virginia and across the nation over the last 20 years. This increase can be attributed to a number of factors, including increased awareness of ASD, improved diagnostic testing methods and tools, and greater access to these diagnostic tools. Children who are now accurately diagnosed with ASD may have received a different diagnosis in the past. Additionally, as evidenced in the revisions to the DSM, there have been many changes to the diagnostic criteria. While these reasons justify increases in the prevalence rate, there may be other unknown factors contributing as well.
Many individuals on the autism spectrum are also affected by other disabilities or disorders that may or may not be diagnosed. A few of the most frequently reported include attention deficit disorder, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, learning and intellectual disabilities, motor delays, and epilepsy.
References
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Autism Center for Education (VCU-RRTC-ACE) is funded by the Virginia Department of Education, contract #881-APE61172-H027A220107. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation, or disability. If special accommodations are needed, please contact Jennifer McDonough at jltodd@vcu.edu.