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Autism Information and Resources

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Autism Information and Resources

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autism is a neurobiological disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Individuals with autism have difficulty interacting with others: building relationships, using language, regulating their emotions, and understanding others’ points of view.   www.autismnj.org

SOCIAL COMMUNICATION/INTERACTION DEFICITS MAY INCLUDE:

  • Understanding spoken language
  • Reaching out to interact or share information
  • Echolalia (repeating words or phrases)
  • Conversation
  • Understanding nonverbal cues (body language, facial expressions, etc.)
  • Unusual tone, pitch, and inflection
  • Pretend play

RESTRICTED/REPETITIVE PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR MAY INCLUDE:

  • Intense focus on a certain item, activity, or topic
  • Unusual play activities (repeatedly spinning a toy’s wheels instead of driving it)
  • Insistence on following specific routines
  • Difficulty adapting to change
  • Rocking, pacing, flicking fingers, waving arms, or other repeated movements

 

For more information:  

Autism NJ Organization:  www.Autismnj.org

NJ Autism Registry:  https://nj.gov/health/fhs/autism/public/registry/

Autism Speaks:  www.autismspeaks.org

National Institue of Mental Health:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml