By U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided this guide on autism spectrum disorder as part of a series of briefs that offer basic information about common disabilities and tips for educators as they support children with disabilities.

Overview

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that leads to distinctive social, communication, and behavioral strengths and challenges. A diagnosis of ASD now includes what used to be a few separate autism diagnoses: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that each person with autism has a unique set of strengths and challenges.

According to the Diagnostic and Sta

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