Free autism spectrum test manual#

Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome).

Some factors that are associated with an increased likelihood of developing ASD include: Researchers don’t know the primary causes of ASD, but studies suggest that a person’s genes can act together with aspects of their environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASD.

Excelling in math, science, music, or art.

Being strong visual and auditory learners.

Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time.

People on the autism spectrum also may have many strengths, including: People with ASD may also experience sleep problems and irritability.

Being more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature.

Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine and having difficulty with transitions.

Showing overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects.

Having a lasting intense interest in specific topics, such as numbers, details, or facts.Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors, such as repeating words or phrases (a behavior called echolalia).Restrictive / repetitive behaviors may include: Difficulties sharing in imaginative play or in making friends.Difficulties adjusting behaviors to social situations.Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions.Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like.Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said.Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond.Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation.Not responding or being slow to respond to one’s name or to other verbal bids for attention.Infrequently sharing interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities (including infrequent pointing at or showing things to others).Appearing not to look at or listen to people who are talking.Making little or inconsistent eye contact.Social communication / interaction behaviors may include: Not all people with ASD will have all behaviors, but most will have several of the behaviors listed below. The list below gives some examples of common types of behaviors in people diagnosed with ASD. Caregivers should talk to their child’s health care provider about ASD screening or evaluation. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive screening for autism. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and daily functioning. People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of lifeĪutism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people.

Free autism spectrum test manual#

Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.Īccording to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have:

Research Training and Career Development OpportunitiesĪutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.Research Conducted at NIMH (Intramural Research Program).Upcoming Observances and Related Events.Contribute to Mental Health Research Mobile navigation