Autism Spectrum Disorders: Clinical Considerations

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disabilities, which typically first appear in childhood and are characterized by significant difficulties in social, communicative, and behavioral functioning. Although no one single cause has been found, it is suspected that many etiologies have a common final pathway within early neurologic development. Bearing a diagnosis of an ASD typically causes an individual and his family difficult financial, emotional and, at times, physical burdens over the individual's lifespan. New burdens are being experienced by state and federal agencies as communities seek ways to medically and financially support the increasing volume of adults with ASD. Consequently, research continues to better understand the complex process of ASD, to find disease-specific interventions, and better ways to enable communities to provide resources for families.