What is autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. Autism is a syndrome that's identified by a group of signs and symptoms that combined are the characteristics of the disorder. It's referred to as a spectrum disorder because children are affected by it in different ways ranging from mild to severely challenged. 1 out of 36 kids are affected by Autism.  

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Autismspeaks.org, updated 3/24/2023

Autism looks different for everyone, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some autistic people can speak, while others are nonverbal or minimally verbal and communicate in other ways. Some have intellectual disabilities, while some do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

On average, autism is diagnosed around age 5 in the U.S., with signs appearing by age 2 or 3. Current diagnostic guidelines in the DSM-5-TR break down the ASD diagnosis into three levels based on the amount of support a person might need: level 1, level 2, and level 3. See more information about each level.

What are the signs?

  • Not responding to his/her name by 12 months of age

  • Avoiding eye contact

  • Delayed speech and language skills

  • Obsessive interests

  • Lack of interest in peers, wanting to be alone

  • Giving unrelated answers to questions

  • Lines up toys or other objects

  • Gets upset by minor changes in routine and etc

  • Flapping hands, rocking back and forth, spinning in circles

  • Aggressive behaviors towards self and/or others

5 KEY FACTS

  1. In the State of Nevada over 7,000 youth are diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

  2. Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with Autism and Autism related services cost a family $60, 000 a year on average.

  3. Autism is one of fastest growing developmental disorders in the United States.

  4. ASD is about 4 times more likely in boys than girls and it affects children of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

  5. There is no medical detection for Autism. Treatment can help, but this disorder can not be cured.