WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)?

WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts with other people and experiences the world.

Triad of impairments

All people diagnosed with ASD are challenged by :

social interaction
social communication
social imagination

According to the World Population review 2020*, the cases of Autism have risen in recent year.

It is difficult to determine how many people are autistic worldwide and it is unclear if the increase in number of cases is due to an increased awareness and changes in diagnosis. There is also a lack of universal criteria to assess Autism due to a broad and diverse spectrum of the condition.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is broad and individuals with the condition can be categorized high functioning, low functioning and everything in between. No single cause has been identified for the condition.

Although there is no cure, early diagnosis is key to improve outcomes.

* http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/autism-rates-by-country/

MYTHBUSTERS

Someone born autistic cannot be ‘cured’ of it. Since autism is not a disease but a developmental condition, it can be offensive to talk about a cure or treatment especially in the case of highly functioning autistic people.

You cannot develop or ‘catch’ autism. It is a genetic condition you are born with.

Not all autistic people are violent.

Not all autistic people want to be left alone.

Not all autistic people are good at math or logic.

Autistic people can also have a family, a job, drive a car…

Vaccines do not cause autism.

Interesting fact

Scientists have conducted extensive research over the last two decades to determine whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research is clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. The American Academy of Paediatrics has compiled a comprehensive list of this research.