Question

What are autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Mention some types of autism spectrum disorders?

Answer 1

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with mulltiple underlying causes - genetic or nongenetic- that result in challenges in communication, social interactions, behavior, learning etc. in the affected person. It is considerd a spectrum with very wide subtypes. Although officially termed autism spectrum disorders and known as autism in common parlance, there is a debate whether or not to term them disorders and some prefer autism spectrum conditions and see them as part of neurodiversity. Although studies have shown vaccines don't cause ASDs, a small group of people make the link between the two. A combination of genetic and nurturing factors underlie autism spectrum disorders. The symptoms of autism appear very early in development during childhood.

As a spectrum disorder it has many subtypes. Some of the subtypes are:

Classic autism,

Asperger's syndrome,

Rett syndrome, 

Childhood disintegrative disorder etc.