Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. It displays symptoms such as impaired communication, lack or impairment in social skills and interactions, and repeated patterns of behaviors that interfere with an individual's ability to cognitively function. These symptoms are almost always present in early development, and are considered to be on a 'spectrum' because of the differences in severity of these symptoms.


Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. Boys tend to be diagnosed more often than girls by approximately 4x. There is also an overrepresentation of transgender or gender nonconforming people with ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

The DSM-5-TR consolidates Autism and related symptoms into one singular disorder:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder


Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly called just autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts how people interact with others, as well as their ability to communicate, learn, and behave. While there are variations in the type and severity of symptoms presented among individuals with autism, they are classified as a singular spectrum disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder) for diagnostic purposes.

Autism Spectrum Disorder(s)

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., Text revision). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

DSM-5-TR

[DSM-5-TR] List of Autism Spectrum Disorder(s) Diagnoses

This list includes disorders or conditions that are related to autism or autistic states/features but are not currently directly or officially included in the DSM. These disorders include:

- Williams Syndrome
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Landau - Kleffner Syndrome
- Prader - Willi Syndrome
- Angelman Syndrome
- Rett Syndrome
- Tardive Dyskinesia


List of Other Recognized Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

This list includes different types of methods for treating and/or managing different autism spectrum and related disorders. These include:
-	TBD



Treatment & Management Methods for Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

This list includes different theories or concepts that are used to explain, define, or otherwise provide further insight into the workings of autism spectrum and related disorders. These include:
- TBD

Note: There is a separate subsequent node specifically for theories & concepts that are outdated and/or discredited. 

Theories & Concepts Relevant to Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

This includes the intersection of connections and/or research related to autism spectrum and related disorders as a general category in other fields of study and research. Such fields include:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Biomedical Science
- Clinical Psychology
- Disability Studies
- Health Psychology
- Mindfulness

Note: Add subjects as needed


Interdisciplinary Connections & Research Related to Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders, General

The collection of references for node pertaining to Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders.

References for Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

Autism stigmatization and peer communication references 

Rachel A Smith, a professor of communication Arts and sciences at the Pennsylvania State University, defines stigma as a set of beliefs regarding a specific social group that fosters a negative image amongst the general population. The stigmatization of Autism can be explored using Smith’s model of stigma communication (MSC). 

Autism Stigmatization

Early Intervention for ASD-Diagnosed Youth References

Early Intervention is a network of resources to assist infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities up until the age of three. The objectives of Early Intervention are to facilitate development progress in social engagement and competence, cognitive skills, independence, and functional communication. 

Early Intervention for Autism

Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

Biological motion is defined as movements made by living things. Some social interactions occur via biological motion. For example, reaching out one's hand for a handshake is a common form of biological motion.

Biological Motion

Non-biological motion is defined as movements made by non-living things, such as a ball bouncing on the ground or a car driving on the road.

Non-biological Motion

* Theory of double empathy
* Origins of term/theory
* Research
* Debate
* References

Double Empathy

The structural abnormalities in an autistic brain may have to do with the rate at which certain parts of the brain grow and develop. Anatomical findings show that the regions of the brain such as the frontal lobe and the amygdala develop prematurely in autistc children. When parts of the brain of the brain develop of of sequence, it can cause serious problems for the growth patterns of adjajcent regions.

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