Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that occurs in the brain and affects the normal development of social and communication skills, usually within the first three years of life. Although there are various symptoms and levels of severity associated with ASD, all disorders affect a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. There is no cure for ASD, but treating the condition early on can make a big difference in the life of a child with the disorder. ASD can be attributed to many causes, including genetic problems and environmental factors. Certain genes appear to be involved with the development of autism and make children more susceptible to the disorder, while others may affect brain development or the way brain cells communicate. After diagnosing your child with autism, your doctor will create a plan of care that will help their development and social skills as they age.