Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)(孤独症）is a disability that can causeserious social, communication and behavioral problems. There is often nothingabout how people with ASD look that makes them different from other people, butpeople with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that aredifferent from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solvingabilities of people with ASD can range from pretty good to extremely bad. Somepeople with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.

Peoplewith ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They mightrepeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Manypeople with ASD may also have difficulties learning, paying attention, or reacting to things.Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and probably last throughout a person\'slife.

Diagnosing(诊断）ASDcan be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to assess thedisorders. Doctors look at the child\'s behavior and development to make a judgement. ASDcan sometimes be diagnosed at 18 months or younger. By age 2,an experienceddoctor can be considered very reliable in diagnosing ASD. However, many children may notsee a doctor until much older.

Thereis currently no cure for ASD. However, research shows that early treatment services can improve achild\'s development. Early treatment services help children from birth to 3 yearsold(36 months)learn important skills. Therefore, it is important to talk to your child\'s doctoras soon as possible if you think your child has ASD or other developmentalproblems.

Wedo not know all of the causes of ASD. However, most scientists agree that genes are one of thehighest risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.

Ifyou think your child might have ASD or you think there could be a problem with the way your childplays, learns, speaks, or acts, contact your child\'s doctor, and share your concerns. Ifyou\'re not sure who to contact, call the Early Childhood Technical AssistanceCenter(ECTA)at 919-962-2001. Or visit the ECTA website: //ectacenter.org.