Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

How common is autism?

Due to changes in the diagnostic criteria and increased public and professional awareness, there has been an increase in the apparent prevalence of autism spectrum disorder. It is estimated that up to one in 100 people are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way someone communicates and how they interact with their environment. It is a highly diverse disorder and no two people with this condition are the same.

What are the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a wide range of symptoms of differing severity. People with a milder form of autism spectrum disorder (called Asperger's syndrome), may: Have an obsessive interest in a single object or …

What causes autism spectrum disorder?

The cause of autism spectrum disorder is not yet known but it is currently understood that changes during brain development, in combination with environmental and genetic factors, may be the cause. Having one child with autism spectrum disorder means …

Who gets autism spectrum disorder?

Autism may run in families, and boys are more likely to develop autism than girls. Having another condition such as Fragile X syndrome, Tourette syndrome or Rett syndrome increases the risk of autism.

How is autism spectrum disorder diagnosed?

Autism is diagnosed by either a psychiatrist, psychologist, pediatrician, speech pathologist or a combination of such specialists. Diagnosis is made based on clinical assessment. A child may be assessed according to their ability to speak, …

How is autism spectrum disorder treated?

A wide range of therapies may be used to treat someone with autism spectrum disorder. The exact treatment used may vary depending on: The age of the person with the condition; The range and severity of their symptoms and behavioral problems; The …

Can autism spectrum disorder be cured?

Although there is currently no cure for autism spectrum disorder, it can be very effectively managed and treated.

Can autism spectrum disorder be prevented?

Because the cause of autism spectrum disorder is currently unknown, there is no means for its prevention.

Are there different types of autism?

Autism spectrum disorder is highly diverse and no two people with this disorder are the same. There are three general types of autism spectrum disorder, based on the severity of symptoms and behavioral problems: the mildest form is Asperger's syndrome …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome may occur when an unborn child is exposed to alcohol consumed by its mother during pregnancy. The condition may have devastating effects on the development of the fetal brain and the child’s subsequent intellectual, physical and behavioural development.…
Diseases & conditions

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect how a person moves and controls their muscles. It is a result of damage that occurs to the brain before birth, or in the first few months after.…
Diseases & conditions

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder of the mind that results in having mixed-up thoughts and feelings. The main symptoms include delusions and hallucinations. People with schizophrenia may also become withdrawn, confused and agitated and may behave strangely. However, there are treatments available to help manage these symptoms.…
Diseases & conditions

Paranoid personality disorder

Paranoid personality disorder is a mental health disorder in which a person experiences a persistent and deep distrust of friends, strangers, family and authority figures. It is usually diagnosed in adulthood.…
Diseases & conditions

Progeria

Progeria is a rare genetic disorder that causes a child to age rapidly, giving them an average life expectancy of 13 years. Symptoms begin to appear in the first two years of life. It’s also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, or HGPS.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 07 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 868 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Fetal alcohol syndrome

×

Content goes in here.