Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. As of 2012Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter in the nervous system and contributes to formation of new neurons (neurogenesis), formation of new connections between neurons (synaptogenesis), remodeling of synapses, and survival and migration of neurons, processes that are necessary for a developing brain and some also necessary for learning in the adult brain. In order to be diagnosed with ASD, a child must have at least two of the following behaviors:Self-injurious behaviors (SIB) are common in ASD and include head-banging, self-cutting, self-biting, and hair-pulling.While specific causes of autism spectrum disorders have yet to be found, many risk factors identified in the research literature may contribute to their development. I frequently get so strongly absorbed in one thing that I lose sight of other things. It's generally based on the level of impairments and how they impact the ability to function.Below are some common signs shown by people who have autism spectrum disorder.A child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have problems with social interaction and communication skills, including any of these signs:A child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have limited, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities, including any of these signs:As they mature, some children with autism spectrum disorder become more engaged with others and show fewer disturbances in behavior. 45% of ASD individuals have been found to have increased blood serotonin levels.ASD can be detected as early as 18 months or even younger in some cases.Considering the unique challenges in diagnosing ASD using behavioral and observational assessment, specific practice parameters for its Screening recommendations for autism in children younger than 3 years are:There is a concern about significant levels of misdiagnosis of autism in neurodevelopmentally normal children. Parents may struggle to understand the diagnosis and to find appropriate care options. Following are some observed abnormal connectivity patterns in autistic individuals:Listed below are some characteristic findings in ASD brains on molecular and cellular levels regardless of the specific genetic variation or mutation contributing to autism in a particular individual: Though children usually don't outgrow autism spectrum disorder symptoms, they may learn to function well.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Signs usually are seen by age 2 years.Each child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior and level of severity — from low functioning to high functioning.Some children with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty learning, and some have signs of lower than normal intelligence.

These risk factors include genetics, prenatal and perinatal factors, neuroanatomical abnormalities, and environmental factors. The cause of autism spectrum conditions is uncertain.Treatment efforts are generally individualized and can include behavioural therapy and the teaching of coping skills.Autism spectrum is estimated to affect about 1% of people (62.2 million globally) as of 2015Autism forms the core of the autism spectrum disorders. Some people still use the term "Asperger's syndrome," which is generally thought to be at the mild end of autism spectrum disorder.Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually causes problems functioning in society — socially, in school and at work, for example.
Your doctor may recommend developmental tests to identify if your child has delays in cognitive, language and social skills, if your child:Autism spectrum disorder has no single known cause. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Both genetics and environment may play a role.One of the greatest controversies in autism spectrum disorder centers on whether a link exists between the disorder and childhood vaccines.