Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism is a hot topic in the news: frightening stories linking childhood vaccines to the disorder; new discoveries of gene variations associated with autism; and high-profile celebrities sharing their experiences raising a child diagnosed with autism. Although autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are not a new phenomenon, it is true that more children than ever before are being classified as having autism. What is not clear, however, is how much of this increase is due to an actual change in prevalence, or to social and cultural shifts in how we perceive, define, and classify the disorder. Although there is not yet consensus on the question of prevalence, researchers do agree that the earlier the diagnosis is made and the intervention begins, the better the chances are that the child will benefit from the treatment. The contributors to this issue of the Journal explore these and other compelling aspects of this challenging developmental disorder.
Format: Journal, Vol. 28, Issue No. 4
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