This article will discuss the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, including its symptoms, treatments, and possible causes. This article will also highlight the differences between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger's Disorder (AD). Autism spectrum disorders affect one in 110 births in the United States. Autism spectrum disorders are serious and incurable developmental disorders whose symptoms, including problems with social interactions and communication, appear during the first two years of life. Asperger's disorder is distinct from autistic disorder because its presence may not become evident until elementary school, when its social and behavioral effects become problematic. Autism Spectrum Disorder, a research paper by Bruce Tonge and Avril Brereton, reveals that "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)" is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately one in 160 Australians. single known cause of autism, but genetic and environmental factors can contribute to its onset. Although no two cases of autism are the same, there are several common symptoms that identify that a person has this disorder. For the diagnosis of autism, problems with communication, socialization and/or restricted behavior must be present before the age of three. The Department of Health and Human Services explains that ASD generally appears between 12 and 36 months of age. Possible indicators of autism spectrum disorder include the child not babbling, pointing, or making meaningful gestures by age one, the child not speaking a word by age from 16 months, the child does not combine two words at the age of two and the child's inability to respond. in his name. Other indicators include poor eye contact, appearance of hearing loss, excess paper...... is a two-step process consisting of a screening and a full diagnostic screening. Although incurable, there are medication and treatment options that can alleviate the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-MADS00348/Autism?q=autism+causes#causeshttp://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2005/feb/12/weekend7.weekend2http: //www.healthcommunities.com/autism/children/causes-of-autism.shtmlhttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/complete-index.shtmlhttp://www.nimh.nih. gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtmlhttp://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asd.cfmhttp://www.healthguideinfo.com/aspergers- syndrome/p31859/