Information and resources to support early identification and intervention.
Category Archives: What is Autism?
What we are Learning from Research about the Process of Identification of ASD?
The High Risk Baby Siblings Research Consortium works to identify children who, because they are siblings of a child with ASD, have an elevated risk of developing autism. Research into underlying causes of autism will inform both clinical practice and treatments. Continue reading
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Diagnosis of Autism may be in the Placenta
Autism is usually diagnosed by age 3, and diagnosis is based on observation of behavior. Yale School of Medicine researchers have discovered in the placenta what may be the earliest marker for autism, which may help make a diagnosis at birth possible. Continue reading
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Do We Know What Causes Autism?
Autism is a complex disorder with no known cause. While ongoing research is helping to make some connections to possible causation, no one single cause has been identified. Continue reading
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Why is it Called Autism Syndrome?
Autism is a complex disorder for which no medically-based diagnosis exists. Because autism is diagnosed based on observation of symptoms, the group of symptoms that characterize autism is referred to as a syndrome. Continue reading
Posted in The Autism Syndrome
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What is Autism? Defining and Understanding this Complex Disorder
Although we hear a great deal about autism in the news media, and many parents know children who have an autism diagnosis, the definition of this disorder can be as complex as the disorder itself. What follows is a general overview of autism. Continue reading
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What Does Head Circumference Tell us about Autism?
Research done at the University of California, San Diego, has discovered a link between head circumference and autism. This discovery may have positive implications for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Continue reading
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Gene that May Lead to Autism Identified
While no cause of autism has yet been discovered, a global research effort is working to identify a gene and region of a chromosome that may lead to autism. Research will continue into a second project designed to look for more genetic clues to the cause of autism. Continue reading
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Genetic Link that may lead to Autism Discovered by Studying Speech
The age at which a child first speaks is being studied at the University of California-Los Angeles as a tool for identifying a genetic link to autism. The DNA from families with autistic boys provided evidence for the genetic link. Continue reading
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The Developing Brain and Autism
A new study has identified a gene variant common in children with autism. Discovering this variant may give researchers insights into autism treatments. Continue reading
Posted in Autism and the Brain
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Does Autism Change the Brain?
Research into the causes of autism can help to develop more effective treatments of this complex disorder. Research focused on causation has uncovered a difference in brain development in autistic children. Continue reading
Posted in Autism and the Brain
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