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What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

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Handbook of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with social-communication deficits and restricted and/or repetitive behaviors and/or interests. The diagnostic criteria of the disorder have evolved over the years with new research on the features, associated symptoms, prevalence, and etiology of the disorder. This chapter offers an overview of the presentation, development, history, prevalence, and impact of ASD on the child and family. Research on the etiology of ASD, including potential risk factors and dispelled myths, is summarized.

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Acknowledgment

Conflict of interest: The authors have no financial relationships or potential conflicts of interest relevant to this chapter to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Hannah Rea

  2. Marcus Autism Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Krysta LaMotte & T. Lindsey Burrell

  3. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    T. Lindsey Burrell

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Correspondence to T. Lindsey Burrell .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

    Cheryl Bodiford McNeil

  2. Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

    Lauren Borduin Quetsch

  3. National Autism Center, May Institute, Randolph, MA, USA

    Cynthia M. Anderson

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Rea, H., LaMotte, K., Burrell, T.L. (2018). What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?. In: McNeil, C., Quetsch, L., Anderson, C. (eds) Handbook of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03213-5_1

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