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All about autism spectrum disorder: Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder that affects brain development and function. This affects how people learn, behave, communicate and interact with others, leading to challenges at home, school or work. A wide variety of symptoms and accompanying medical conditions are associated with ADS.

Although the exact causes are not fully understood, up to a quarter of ASD cases have a genetic cause that can be identified by genetic testing methods, and knowing the genetic cause can be advantageous for planning treatment or management options.

You can learn more about ASD and genetic testing for this and other pediatric developmental disorders here.

Topics covered in this infographic:

  • What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
  • When does ASD start?
  • Symptoms of ASD
  • Causes of ASD
  • Diagnosis
  • Risk factors
  • Outlook and treatment
  • Raising awareness of ASD
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References

This infographic was compiled used information from the following sources:

“What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?” CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 Dec. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html. Accessed 26 Jan. 2023.

“What is autism?” NHS, 7 Sept. 2022, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/. Accessed 26 Jan. 2023.

“What is autism?” Autism Speaks, https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism. Accessed 26 Jan. 2023.

“What is autism?” National Autistic Society, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism. Accessed 26 Jan. 2023.

“Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, 6 Jan. 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928. Accessed 26 Jan. 2023.

“Autism Spectrum Disorder.” NIH National Institute of Mental Health, Feb. 2023, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd#part_2283. Accessed 16 Feb.2023.

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