Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a combination of complex neurodevelopmental disorders marked by repeated and characteristic patterns of behavior as well as social communication and interaction difficulties. Many individuals with ASD struggle with additional issues including sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, ADHD, mood disorders and sensory processing disorders.  The signs appear in early childhood and interfere with everyday activities. The word "spectrum" refers to the broad variety of symptoms, abilities, and types of functional impairment that exist. Some children and adults with ASD are capable of performing all everyday tasks independently, while others need significant assistance to do so. Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) are all classified as ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders (DSM-5), released in 2013

ASD affects people of all races and ethnicities, as well as people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Boys, on the other hand, are much more likely than girls to develop ASD. According to the new CDC report, one out of every 54 children has ASD. Children with ASD can appear different even as infants, especially when compared to other children their age. They can become fixated on specific items, rarely make eye contact, and refrain from engaging in normal babbling with their parents. In other situations, children may grow normally until their second or third year of life, at which point they begin to withdraw and become insensitive to social interactions. Difficulties with sensory perception are common.  

The diagnosis of ASD is based on symptoms, signs, and tests using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V, a guide developed by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing mental disorders. During routine checkups, children should be checked for developmental delays, as well as for autism at the 18- and 24-month well-child visits.   Developmental pediatricians, neuropsychologists and psychologists/psychiatrists conduct a variety of psychological assessments including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 (ADOS-2) along with IQ testing, behavioral scales and thorough developmental history.  Intellectual deficiency and language impairment are assessed as part of an ASD diagnosis.

Once diagnosed with autism, a team of professionals including pediatricians, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health therapists, behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, speech and language therapists and educators work together to create a plan to address the individual and family/parental needs. The degree to which social communication, emphasis on sameness of behaviors and environment, and repeated patterns of behavior influence the individual's daily functioning determines the intensity of ASD.