About the Institute
Overview
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of disabilities that significantly affect social, communication, and language development. Many individuals with ASDs also have intellectual disabilities and display behavior patterns that can be challenging for teachers and parents (e.g., stereotyped and ritualistic behaviors). In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed with this condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of ASDs has increased from 4 to 5 per 10,000 a decade ago to 1 per 100 live births today. ASDs include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, Rett’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disability not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). ASDs are typically lifelong conditions, and these individuals require educational and other supports to fully participate in inclusive settings such as the regular classroom, workplace, and community.
Links
For more information regarding ASDs, follow these links to the National Institute of Mental Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web sites:
- ASD publication of the National Institute of Mental Health
- ASD Overview at the Center for Disease Control
For the 2009 National Autism Center standards (national standards on effective practices for children with autism), visit the National Autism Center’s Web site:
- National Standards Project at the National Autism Center (Fill out your contact information to access the page with the information.)