What is Autism?
Autism means a developmental disability that affects verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance according to IDEA. Research shows that autism is becoming more common, but its causes are still unknown. Researchers have discovered tiny common genetic variants and uncommon gene alterations, or mutations, in autistic individuals, suggesting a genetic component (National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences). Individuals with ASD have different cognitive and neurological, behavioral, communication, social, and sensory characteristics, and how they impact the families of individuals in the spectrum.
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