ABSTRACT
Autism is a developmental disorder that results in the delay in the normal patterns of development. The term spectrum is used because children with autism differ widely from one another. Some children with autism may be able to read and perform academic skills close to grade level, while others will have considerably more severe cognitive problems. The psychologist might examine characteristics of the child, such as his ability to socialize and play, his ability to make eye contact, and how he responds to his surroundings. The causes of autism remain unknown or unclear and are the subject of an increasing amount of debate. Most authorities agree that early intense intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis has the strongest research base for treatment success. Families whose children have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need long-term support as they deal with specific characteristics associated with ASD that range from mild to severe.
