Autism Spectrum Disorder ( Asd ) - 3163 Words

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also referred to as autism, is defined as â€Å"a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child s ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is now defined by the American Psychiatric Association s Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a single disorder that includes disorders that were previously considered separate — autism, Asperger s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.† (DSM-5) Autism is†¦show more content†¦It is also putting a strain on parents, the educational system and others. Parents not only have to live with the behavioral and emotional aspects of the affliction but ASD is also an expensive affliction mo netarily. Although a cure doesn’t appear anywhere I site, it is being studied and the scientific community is working toward better and better treatments in order to make the lives of those with ASD and those who take care of people with ASD much easier. Most often, the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is a two-step process. The first stage occurs during a regular visit to the doctor for general developmental screening during well-child checkups with a pediatrician, a visit to the family doctor or some other early childhood health care provider the family chooses to use. If a child shows some developmental problems they will be referred to a specialist or group of specialists for additional evaluation. Once the child is referred, the second stage of diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation by a team of doctors and other health professionals with a wide range of specialties so that they can arrive at a diagnosis and set a course of treatment for the child. Once at the second stage, if the team of doctors finds that certain criteria are met a child will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or possibly another developmental disorder. Children will normally be diagnosed with ASD by the