"Children with autism are colorful-they are often very beautiful and, like the rainbow, they stand out."
- Adele Devine




What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. 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.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) , a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD have:


Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
LEVEL 1
High Functioning Autism
LEVEL 2
Autism
LEVEL 3
Severe Autism
  • Requiring support
  • Difficulty initiating social interactions
  • Inflexibility of behavior
  • Difficulty switching activities
  • Problems with organization
  • Requiring substantial support
  • Marked deficits with social interactions
  • Inflexibility of behavior
  • Difficulty or distress coping with change
  • Repetitive behaviors
  • Requiring very substantial support
  • Severe deficits with social interactions & communication
  • Inflexibility of behavior
  • Extreme difficulty or distress coping with change
  • Repetitive behaviors interfere with functioning



REFERENCE
https://www.autismspeaks.org/
https://www.healthline.com/health/autism
https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/causes/