| class="googleright"> | | | | ASDs are defined by difficulty in three areas of |
| Autism Speaks offers a straightforward definition of | | | | behaviors: 1) reciprocal social interaction, 2) |
| Autism as âa complex brain disorder that | | | | communication and 3) repetition and insistence on |
| inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop | | | | sameness. Exactly how an individual is impacted |
| social relationships, and is often accompanied by | | | | across these three areas varies greatly. There is no |
| extreme behavioral challenges.â | | | | one behavior that is present in all individuals with ASDs |
| Although each individual exhibits varying forms of | | | | or that would rule out ASDs in every person. Many, but |
| Autism (hence the âspectrumâ of | | | | not all, individuals with ASD have language delays. |
| Autistic diagnoses), some groups of symptoms and | | | | Some individuals with ASD, but not all, have lifelong |
| behaviors are commonly associated with the disease. | | | | language disorders. Some, but not all, individuals with |
| Catherine Lord, Director of the University of Michigan | | | | ASD also have mental retardation that affects |
| Autism and Communication Disorders Center, offers | | | | development of nonverbal problem-solving, everyday |
| the following answers about Autism Spectrum | | | | self-care (e.g. |
| diagnoses: | | | | |