Autism Services

About Autism

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects each individual differently.  Symptoms can be mild to severe and therefore is referred to as a spectrum disorder.  The disorder primarily affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills and is often paired with unusual behaviors and interests.  It is sometimes referred to as Early Infantile Autism or Childhood Autism.

There is no known cause of autism. Some believe several genes, as well as environmental factors such as viruses or chemicals, contribute to the disorder. Autism affects males about four times as often as females, and has been found throughout the world in people of all racial and social backgrounds.

Autism spectrum disorders include Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett’s disorder and Asperger’s Disorder.  These developmental disabilities typically appear during the first three years and continue throughout life (www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs20txt.htm).

-Click here for a printable AUTISM FACT SHEET.
-CDC Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet.

Children with Autism in Maryland for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)