OFFICIAL VIEWS OF AUTISM

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability  that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges…

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Causes: We do not know all the causes of ASD… There may be many different factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental, biologic and genetic factors…

Treatments: There is currently no cure for ASD… Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others.

 

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior…

Causes: Studies suggest that ASD could be a result of disruptions in normal brain growth very early in development. These disruptions may be the result of defects in genes that control brain development and regulate how brain cells communicate with each other. Environmental factors may also play a role in gene function and development, but no specific environmental causes have yet been identified…

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Treatments: People with ASD may be referred to doctors who specialize in providing behavioral, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions. The wide range of issues facing people with ASD means that there is no single best treatment for ASD.  A doctor may use medication to treat some symptoms that are common with ASD. People with ASD may be referred to doctors who specialize in providing behavioral, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions.