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Autism & Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a developmental brain disorder with physical and behavioral components. It affects the brain areas controlling language, social interaction, and abstract thought.

Symptoms may include:

• Communication difficulties
• Emotional problems
• Mental retardation
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli

Autism spectrum disorders include pervasive developmental disorder, Asperger syndrome, Retts syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder, any of which may be used interchangeably with the term autism.

However, there are characteristics that distinguish them, which are described on the ERIC Clearinghouse on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder website. Further information on Pervasive Developmental Disorders can be found through the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.

Services that may be beneficial for a child with autism include:

• Educational training
• Speech therapy
• Language therapy
• Medication
• Occupational therapy

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Where can I find further information?

Autism Society of America
Embraces an overall philosophy which chooses to empower individuals with autism and their parents or caregivers to make choices best suited to the needs of the person with autism.

MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome
A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and advice to families of more advanced individuals with autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder.

The Prevalence and Correlates of Abuse Among Children With Autism Served in Comprehensive Community-Based Mental Health Settings
Mandell, Walrath, Manteuffel, & Sgro
Child Abuse and Neglect, 29(12), 2005
View Abstract
Determines the demographic and psychosocial correlates of physical and sexual abuse among children with autism.

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Updated on February 2, 2010