Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorders
From the CDC Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet (visit the CDC Web site)

Autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs, are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. ASDs can impact a person's function at different levels and affect the way they interact, communicate, behave, and learn. Although scientists do not know yet exactly what causes this problem, the main research-based treatment at the current time is behavioral intervention.

ASDs begin during early childhood, so starting this intervention as early as possible can make a real difference in helping children reach their full potential. Here are some signs that children with ASDs might display:

• They might not play pretend games, such as feeding a doll.

• They might not point at objects to show interest, such as an airplane flying overhead, or might not look at objects when another person points to them.

• They might have trouble relating to others and understanding other people's feelings. They may have no interest in other people at all or alternately, they may also be very interested in people but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them.

• They might avoid eye contact and want to be alone. They may also prefer not to be held or cuddled, or cuddle only when they want to, and may have trouble talking about their own feelings.

• They might appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds. They may also exhibit unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound.

• They might repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language. They may also have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions.

• They might repeat actions over and over.

• They might have trouble adapting when a routine changes.

• They might lose skills they once had, such as discontinuing the use of words they were using before.