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An Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD) is a neurological disorder which impairs a
person’s ability to communicate and form
relationships with other people. |
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A person with
autism may struggle with communication, relating
to the world and people around them, and exhibit
restricted, repetitive movements and behaviors. |
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Autism is generally first
diagnosed at a young age, but affects an
individual throughout their lifetime.
Early identification and intervention are key to
treating autism. |
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In 2007, it was estimated
that 1 in 150 births are affected, striking at a
4:1 ratio of boys to girls. The Centers
for Disease Control estimate that as many as 1.6
million Americans have autism. |
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Each individual diagnosed
with an ASD is affected differently and severity
can vary greatly across the spectrum. |
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There
are no medical tests to detect autism and there
is currently no cure. |
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The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention’s website offers more in
depth information at their Autism Information
Center. Learn more by visiting
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism. |
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