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Here are 17 facts about autism spectrum disorder to help you learn more about autism.

1. 1 in 36 children in the United States are affected by autism.¹
2. April is World Autism Month. Click here to learn more.
3. One fact about autism is that the term “spectrum” in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity associated with autism.²
4. Researchers have been studying autism and similar disorders since the 1940s. Autism was not clearly defined until 1980.³
5. The American Psychiatric Association changed the term to autism spectrum disorder in 2013 to make it an umbrella term that covers different levels of autism including Asperger syndrome, autism, and pervasive developmental disorder.⁴
6. Another one of the facts about autism is that it is a broad category, with many different subtypes.¹
7. Autism is not caused by one factor, but a combination of genetic or environmental influences.⁵
8. Boys are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.⁶
9. Symptoms of autism typically appear within the first two years of a child’s life.⁷
10. The main symptoms of autism include deficits in social interaction and repetitive behaviors.³
11. The symptoms of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have similarities, but ADHD is not considered to be on the autism spectrum.⁴
12. Children born to older parents are at higher risk for autism.⁶
13. Diagnosing autism can be difficult since there is no specific test to do so. Physicians rely on observation, medical history, and questionnaires to accurately diagnose a child.⁸
14. As autism becomes more widely researched, more adults are being diagnosed. However, there is not enough data to know how many adults are affected.⁹
15. Autism is known to be hereditary. If one child is diagnosed with autism, future siblings have a 20% greater risk of developing autism.⁴
16. There is no cure for autism, but symptoms may become milder as the child ages. Treatment options for autism may include behavioral interventions, therapy, and medications when needed.⁴
17. There are online screening tests available for those who are interested in doing so before being professionally evaluated.9

Now that you know more autism facts, you can help share awareness throughout your community to help people better understand and accept those with autism. Autism Speaks celebrates Autism Awareness Month every April to raise awareness and share autism facts with the world. Check out their website to learn what you can do to help.

About Saber Healthcare Group

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Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. “What Is Autism?” Autism Speaks Inc., autismspeaks.org. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism.
2. “Autism spectrum disorder.” Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Mayo Clinic. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928.
3. “What is Autism?” Autism Research Institute, autism.org. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://www.autism.org/what-is-autism/.
4. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic, clevelandclinic.org. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8855-autism.
5. “What Causes Autism?” Autism Speaks Inc., autismspeaks.org. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-causes-autism.
6. “Autism Statistics and Facts.” Autism Speaks Inc., autismspeaks.org. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd.
7. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd.
8. “What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html.
9. Rudy, Lisa Jo. “How Is Adult Autism Diagnosed?” Dotdash Meredith, verywellhealth.com. March 9^th, 2023. Accessed April 4^th, 2023. https://www.verywellhealth.com/diagnosing-autism-or-asperger-syndrome-in-adults-259946.