ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a complex neurobehavioral disorder characterized by impairment in reciprocal social interaction, impairment in communication, and the presence of repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. The onset of symptoms is typically before the age of 3 years. The severity of impairment in the given domains as well as the pattern of impairments varies from individual to individual; that is why diagnosticians refer to a “ spectrum ” of disability.
Impairment in social interaction may include difficulty initiating and maintaining interaction, impaired ability to recognize and experience emotions, and difficulty processing and appreciating the thoughts and feelings of others. Communication deficits range from no useful form of communication to advanced language abilities in some areas but still limited ability to use language in a social manner. Repetitive and stereotypic behaviors may include perseverative behaviors such as complex rituals, extreme difficulty adapting to change and transition, unusual movements such as hand flapping or whirling, and/or a narrow range of interests.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a single disorder described in the recently released fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The diagnostic category no longer includes separate diagnoses for Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. The DSM-5 also includes a related, but distinct, diagnostic category of Social Communication Disorder.
Once thought to be very rare, ASD's are estimated to occur in as many as 1: 68 (one in every 68 people).
[from https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/what-is-autism/]
The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at SIU is funded by the TAP grant and delivered by faculty and students which allows us to provide our services at no cost in most cases.
Each service center has different lengths of waistlists based on the current levels of services, providers, and availability. If you have been referred to a wait-listed service, you can check occasionally on the projected length of wait.
