Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects social communication, interactions, and behavior. It is a complex and multifaceted disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. ASD is considered a single disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which assesses the severity of ASD by evaluating social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. The DSM-5 uses three levels of support to describe the severity of ASD, where level 1 is the least severe, and level 3 is the most severe. These levels help doctors and families understand a person’s needs and provide the right support. Identifying autism involves developmental check-ups during routine healthcare visits at around 18 and 24 months old. If the doctor suspects autism, the child will move on to the second stage of evaluation, involving a team of healthcare professionals that will conduct further assessments to determine if the child has autism and what kind of support they may need. Doctors have many methods to screen for autism, including informal observations and formal assessments. Support and therapy can help individuals manage the challenges ASD presents, and educational and behavioral therapies are especially helpful for younger children.
