美国自闭症协会：促进全球对自闭症的认识、科研及服务

作     者：Andv SHIH Michael ROSANOFF Simon WALLACE Geraldine DAWSON 

作者机构：Autism Speaks 2 Park Avenue 4^th Floor New York NY 10016 USA 

出 版 物：《北京大学学报（医学版）》 (Journal of Peking University:Health Sciences)

年 卷 期：2009年第41卷第4期

页      面：389-391页

核心收录：

学科分类：1002[医学-临床医学] 100205[医学-精神病与精神卫生学] 10[医学] 

主　　题：孤独性障碍 健康促进 

摘      要：Autism is a complex neurobiological,developmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood and often lasts throughout a person s life time. Autism is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by varying degrees of symptom severity and impact,ranging from mild or high-functioning to quite severe or low-functioning. The hallmark characteristics of autism include an impaired ability to communicate and relate to others socially. Autism is also associated with a restricted range of activities and repetitive behaviors,such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines.ASD can usually be reliably diagnosed behaviorally by age 2,although new research is developing screening and diagnostic measures for children as young as 12-18 months of age. In 2007,the American Academy of Pedia-trics recommended screening of all children for ASD at 18 and 24 months of age. While there is no known cure,research indicates that early intervention in an appropriate educational setting for at least two years during the preschool years can result in significant improvements in language,cognitive ability,and social skills for many young children with autism spectrum disorders. Early detection and diagnosis is essential for maximizing the benefits of early intervention. As soon as autism is diagnosed,early intervention instruction should begin. Effective programs focus on developing communication,social,and cognitive skills[1].