What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological (brain) and developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, to reason, and to interact with others. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity, and is often found in combination with other disabilities. The term “autism” comes from the Greek “autos” for “self.

With the publication of the DMS-5, the different conditions once found under the umbrella term of Pervasive Developmental Disorders are now called Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Individuals should not “lose”‘ their previous diagnosis under the new evaluation system.  Those previously diagnosed as having Asperger Syndrome will still be considered to be “on the autism spectrum”.

Learn More About Autism Prevalence