“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASDs) are life-long neurodevelopmental conditions that are present shortly after birth. The disorders are variable: some children are profoundly developmentally delayed and have no language, while others are only mildly affected with average or above average intelligence and functional language. The first signs are usually noticeable by 6 to 24 months of age.” The Offord Centre for Child Studies, 2007
No one knows what causes autism but it is likely a combination of genetics and the environment. Some of the genes that cause autism are being discovered. Possible environmental causes include low birth weight and advanced parental age. There is good evidence that vaccines do not cause ASDs. An estimated 1 in 68 children are on the autism spectrum. The Offord Centre for Child Studies, 2007
Recent research confirms that appropriate screening can determine whether a child is at risk for autism as young as one year. While every child develops differently, we also know that early treatment improves outcomes, often dramatically. Studies show, for example, that early intensive behavioral intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical development milestones that your child should be reaching. Autism Speaks, 2017
