Autism Information Center

Autism Information Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What are autism spectrum disorders?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. Scientists do not know yet exactly what causes this problem. ASDs can impact a person’s functioning at different levels, from very mildly to severely. There is usually nothing about how a person with an ASD looks that sets them apart from other people, but they may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most people. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. Autistic disorder is the most commonly known type of ASD, but there are others, including “pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified” (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer the Autism Information Center (AIC) to physicians, therapists, researchers, students, and especially families of children who may have been diagnosed with any of the ASDs, which include autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and "pervasive developmental disorder--not otherwise specified." The AIC site includes information about symptoms, conditions, and possible causes of ASD along with resources, information about congressional initiatives, and much more. It also addresses the need for early diagnosis of developmental and behavioral disabilities--ASD, mental retardation, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder--which affect 17 percent of US children but are often not diagnosed before the child reaches school age. The site includes references for these disabilities and, on each page, the date of last update. This evidence of authority and currency is not only reassuring to those searching the site but also evidence of its value in an academic setting. Though not a substitute for the medical opinion of one's family doctor, this is an invaluable resource. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html  ACRL Choice Aug 2007.