Three Facts about Autism

Today is Autism Awareness Day. 

The number of Americans diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders continues to climb, and so does the number of myths. Here are three facts to set the record straight:

1. Fact: Though some think autism is an emotional or mental health disorder, it is actually a neurodevelopmental disorder with ramifications for social behavior and communication. The person with autism interacts with her or her world via restricted and repetitive rituals. 
2. Fact: Autism is not one set of symptoms; rather it is a variety of syndromes. It is called “autism spectrum disorder,” because its range of symptoms is so diverse.
3. Fact: Though autism diagnoses are on the rise (the CDC reports that one out of 150 children have an autism spectrum disorder) experts question whether this rising number is due to more cases or instead because of earlier diagnosis, more awareness, and a broadening of the spectrum itself (a wider definition).