Autism Spectrum DisordersAutism numbers are increasing in the United States and more cases of autism are being diagnosed every day. Many parents are unaware that they have a child with autism. The signs of autism are not easy to detect, so parents who suspect they may have a developmentally delayed child or an autistic child would have difficulty distinguishing autism from other developmental problems. There are no specific causes or cures for autism, but with today's technology, that may well change. “Autism is not just one disorder, but a spectrum of closely related disorders with a common core of symptoms” (Help Guide 2013). Although it can vary from person to person, autism affects emotional abilities, empathy, communication, behavioral flexibility and social skills. Autism also varies depending on the level of disability from one person to another, one child may show severe signs while the other who is barely noticed suffers from this disorder. The signs and symptoms of autism are often ignored and presented as a slight delay, and it is believed that the child will grow out of it. When a child appears to lack socialization skills, is unable to communicate, or continually exhibits strange, repetitive behavior; the child must be tested. There is no specific cause of ASD, but many researchers believe it has something to do with faulty genes or incomplete development of the baby's brain. (Proctor, Young-Adams 2013) If autism is detected in its very early stages, it makes a big difference and can help improve cognitive and social skills. Other tests are added to the autism diagnostic program to ideally detect the disorder around eighteen months. (NIH 2013) Mostly, autism is diagnosed in two categories, autistic (classic autism) or autism...... middle of paper ...... same age, but they are afraid to see their child labeled and what others will say. If a child is suspected of being autistic, then the process must be taken very seriously to either rule out autism or make a definitive diagnosis and begin treatment. REFERENCEHelpguide.org 2013 - A parent's guide to the symptoms and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved November 10, 2013 from: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_spectrum.htmNih.gov- National Institute of Mental Health- What is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved November 10, 2013 from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml Proctor B. P, Young-Adams PA (2011) . Kinn's The Physician Assistant: An Applied Learning Approach (11th Edition) Elsevier Saunders, St Louis, MO.