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Sections

Background | Prevalence | Etiology | Neurobiology | Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Course | Assessment | Differential Diagnosis | Comorbidity | Research | Support, Interventions, and Treatment | Medication | Conclusion | References

Excerpt

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder defined by diagnostic criteria that include deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (American Psychiatric Association 2013). Autism is a disorder with heterogeneity in phenotypes, including a spectrum of cognitive, communication, and behavioral differences and differences in etiology and outcomes. Initial signs and symptoms typically are apparent in the early developmental period. However, social deficits and behavioral patterns might not be recognized as symptoms of ASD until a child or adult is unable to meet social, educational, occupational, or other important life stage demands. Thus, individuals may not receive an accurate diagnostic assessment until they are well into adult years.

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