Autistic disorder/Autism spectrum
Key points
- Autism is a complex developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, although it is sometimes diagnosed much later.
- It affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.
Alternative names
Autism; Pervasive developmental delay
Definition
Autism is a complex developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, although it is sometimes diagnosed much later. It affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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