1. is believed to be caused by environmental and genetic factors
1.1. it occurs in all
1.1.1. races and ethnic groups
1.1.2. sexes
1.1.2.1. occurs significantly more in males
1.1.3. socioeconomic groups
2. some signs could be
2.1. Social Communication and Interaction Skills
2.1.1. Avoids or doesn't keep eye contact
2.1.2. Doesn't respond to name by 9 months
2.1.3. Doesn't show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months.
2.1.4. Doesn't play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months
2.2. Restrictive or repetitive interest
2.2.1. Repeats words or phrases over and over
2.2.2. Plays with toys the same way every time
2.2.3. Gets upset by minor changes
2.2.4. flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
2.3. Other Characteristics
2.3.1. Delayed language
2.3.2. delayed movement
2.3.3. Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
2.3.4. Unusual eating and sleeping habits
3. Treatments can include
3.1. behavior approach
3.1.1. Applied Behavior Analysis
3.1.1.1. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
3.1.1.1.1. Step-by-step instructions to teach desired behavior or response
3.1.1.2. Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
3.1.1.2.1. Takes place in a more natural setting to improve "pivotal skills" that will help a person learn other skills
3.2. Pharmacological approaches
3.3. Developmental Approaches
3.3.1. Speech and Language Therapy
3.3.1.1. helps improve the person's understanding and use of speech
3.3.2. occupational therapy
3.3.2.1. teaches skills that helps the person live independently
3.4. participating in clinical trials
3.4.1. helps doctors understand more about autism leading to
3.4.1.1. better help for those with autism
3.4.1.2. more accurate diagnoses