What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment or disability that children with ASD can have. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) no longer includes Asperger’s syndrome; the characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome are included within the broader category of ASD. Some children are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled.