Autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a range of disabilities characterized by repetitive behaviors, sensory issues, and difficulties with speech, nonverbal communication and socializing. The degree of disability varies from person to person and can involve mild impairment from symptoms to severe disability in which extensive support is required. The word 鈥渟pectrum鈥 is used to describe this wide array of disability degrees and symptoms, which includes Asperger鈥檚 syndrome and Autistic disorder. Signs of ASD are usually recognized early in life, with diagnosis in the United States typically found to occur between 43 to 53 months after birth.
