Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. **ASD is a spectrum:** - Autism presents differently in each person - Support needs range from minimal to substantial - Many autistic people have significant strengths and abilities - The old terms (Asperger's, PDD-NOS) are now all under ASD **Core areas of difference:** **Social Communication:** - Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation - Reduced sharing of interests or emotions - Challenges with nonverbal communication (eye contact, gestures) - Difficulty understanding social nuances **Restricted/Repetitive Behaviors:** - Stereotyped movements, speech, or object use - Insistence on sameness, routines - Highly focused interests - Sensory sensitivities (over- or under-reactive) **Autistic Strengths:** - Deep expertise in areas of interest - Attention to detail - Pattern recognition - Honesty and directness - Unique perspectives and creativity - Strong memory **Neurodiversity perspective:** Many autistic people and advocates view autism not as a disorder to be cured but as a different way of being. The challenges often come from a world not designed for autistic people, not from autism itself.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition with strong genetic basis: **Genetic factors:** - Highly heritable (90%+ heritability) - Hundreds of genes contribute small effects - Some rare genetic syndromes include autism - Often runs in families (broader autism phenotype) **Brain differences:** - Differences in brain connectivity - Different patterns of neural development - Variations in brain structure **Environmental factors (interact with genetics):** - Advanced parental age - Prenatal factors (certain medications, infections) - Birth complications **What does NOT cause autism:** - Vaccines (thoroughly disproven) - Parenting style - Trauma (though autistic people can have trauma) - Screen time **When does autism develop:** Autism is present from early brain development, though it may not be recognized until later—especially in girls, those with high IQ, or those who learn to mask autistic traits.