Asperger's Syndrome is the second most common ASD and is a mild form of autism. Children with Asperger's Syndrome show higher language development than children with autism and often have a general cognitive ability combined with a lack of interest in social interaction. Children with Asperger’s should not initiate or further the conversation and not compensate for their limited language through insignificant communication channels, thus reducing their relationships with peers. Similar to autism, children with Asperger's do not share happiness or interests with others.

ASDs usually show up when they are 3 years old, although the diagnosis can be made as early as 12 to 18 months, and after 4 to 6 years (or later). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 59 children has autism spectrum disorder. However, girls with these problems often have more severe symptoms and lower intelligence.

To date, no organic diagnostic tests have been performed for autism. But scientists hope that advanced imaging techniques and differences in blood protein levels in autism compared to normal children may contribute to the diagnosis. Already, advanced diagnostic procedures have allowed doctors to diagnose children at an early age.Read More

Immunizations are a cornerstone of public health and protect people from many debilitating and deadly infectious diseases. Government agencies routinely conduct thorough analyses of the current medical and scientific evidence on vaccine safety and vaccine-related adverse events. While there is evidence of some rare adverse events related to vaccines, such as seizures, inflammation of the brain and fainting, the evidence shows that there are no links between immunization and autism.

In the past five years, scientists have made significant progress in discovering the genes that contribute to autism. With this knowledge, there has also been much progress in understanding what might be different in the cells of the brain of a person with autism. Scientists in many fields are working toward a deep understanding of the mechanisms that lead to autism.

In most individuals it is currently not possible to identify the exact cause of autism. There are a few genetic syndromes associated with autism (for example, Rett syndrome and fragile X syndrome) in which the genetic cause is known. Scientists have also identified a number of rare genetic changes that are major contributors to autism. In about 25 percent of autism cases, a specific genetic cause can be identified. The remaining 75 percent of cases likely involve a complex combination of genetic factors and yet-to-be identified environmental influences. At this time, there is no evidence that specific chemicals in the environment, immunization practices or dietary differences cause autism.