Autism spectrum disorder is a life-long neurological disability that is characterized by significant social-communication and behavioral deficits. The severity of this disorder can vary greatly from one individual to another. The term "spectrum" refers to this range of social-communication and behavioral deficits.

Each person with ASD has a unique set of characteristics but most of them will have difficulty socializing with others, communicating verbally or non-verbally, and behaving appropriately in a variety of settings. If a child or adult is not making friends, sustaining a conversation, able to play in an imaginative way, inflexible with routines and/or overly preoccupied with certain objects, it is important to learn why the child or adult is behaving in those ways and obtain supports and services to help.

Left untreated, an individual with ASD may not develop effective and/or appropriate social skills. If a child or adult is ahving difficulty forming relationships, sustaining a conversation, and/ or is inflexible with routines, it is importan to learn the cause of these behaviors.

For more information on ASD, please reference the DSM-5 ASD factsheet.

Facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder

·          Autism is a condition under autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Autism is often used as a shortened term for ASD.

·          In 2011, 15,976 students diagnosed with ASD were enrolled in Michigan schools. (Michigan Department of Education)

·          Approximately 50,000 individuals living in Michigan have ASD.

·          1 in 88 children in the United States has ASD.*

·          Boys are almost 5 (1 in 54) times likely to be diagnosed with ADS than girls (1 in 252).*

·          ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.*

·          ASD is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. (Autism Speaks)

·          65% of parents reported their child with ASD had been bullied (National Autism Association)

·          25% of individuals with ASD are non-verbal (Autism Speaks); however, many studies indicate that 40-50% of children with ASD are non-verbal.

·          ASD is a lifelong disability.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention