Autism–once a diagnosis that very few had ever heard of– has become an increasingly common hurdle families are facing with their children.
Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD, are a group of developmental disorders. This type of disorder ranges from severe form, such as autism, to a milder form, such as Asperger’s Syndrome. It is estimated that ASD affects one in every 150 children, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and paediatric AIDS combined. It is also diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls.
Studies show about one third of parents of children with ASD notice difficulty with communication, language, socialization and unusual behaviours before the age of three, according to the CDC. While research shows early diagnosis and intervention can make an enormous difference to the child and family, many parents aren’t sure what to look for because the symptoms can vary so greatly from child to child.