Autism

Kanner autism, or classic autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges with social communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviors. It is now considered part of the wider... Wikipedia

• Specialty:  psychiatry, pediatrics, occupational medicine
• Symptoms:  Trouble with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and presence of restricted interests and repetitive behavior
• Usual onset:  By age two or three
• Duration:  Lifelong
• Causes:  Genetic and environmental factors
• Diagnostic method:  Based on behavior and developmental history
• Differential diagnosis:  Reactive attachment disorder, intellectual disability, schizophrenia
• Medication:  Antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants (associated symptoms)
• Treatment:  Occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotropic medication
• Frequency:  24.8 million (2015)
• Data source:  DuckDuckGo