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You may have heard the term "autism spectrum disorder" or ASD before but still be unsure exactly what it means. As a parent, understanding this developmental condition is so important.
You may have heard the term "autism spectrum disorder" or ASD before but still be unsure exactly what it means. As a parent, understanding this developmental condition is so important.
ASD refers to a wide range of conditions that involve challenges with communication, social skills, speech, nonverbal cues, and repetitive behaviors. It is considered a "spectrum" disorder because it affects each person in different ways, with varying skills and abilities.
ASD refers to a wide range of conditions that involve challenges with communication, social skills, speech, nonverbal cues, and repetitive behaviors. It is considered a "spectrum" disorder because it affects each person in different ways, with varying skills and abilities.
Some key characteristics of ASD include:
Some key characteristics of ASD include:
- Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation
- Challenges with interpreting body language, expressions, tone of voice
- Trouble relating to others or sharing interests and emotions
- Repetitive motions like rocking or hand-flapping
- Strong interests in particular topics or routines
- Over or under-reaction to sights, sounds, smells, textures
Children with ASD often have normal intelligence and many exceptional abilities but struggle with verbal and nonverbal communication and social interactions from a very young age. Early intervention is key to supporting development.
Children with ASD often have normal intelligence and many exceptional abilities but struggle with verbal and nonverbal communication and social interactions from a very young age. Early intervention is key to supporting development.
While there is no single known cause, ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors that affect brain development and function. It is not caused by parenting or vaccines.
While there is no single known cause, ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors that affect brain development and function. It is not caused by parenting or vaccines.
Every person with ASD is unique, with their own profiles of strengths and challenges. With proper support and therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), children can learn strategies to communicate better, develop social skills, and achieve their full potential.
Every person with ASD is unique, with their own profiles of strengths and challenges. With proper support and therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), children can learn strategies to communicate better, develop social skills, and achieve their full potential.
If you suspect your child may have ASD, don't wait - talk to their doctor about screening and evaluations to get them the services they need as early as possible. An autism diagnosis can bring many questions but also opens the door to life-changing care.
If you suspect your child may have ASD, don't wait - talk to their doctor about screening and evaluations to get them the services they need as early as possible. An autism diagnosis can bring many questions but also opens the door to life-changing care.
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