What kind of disability is autism

The occurrence is about 4. About 1 in 6 children in the United States had a developmental disability in , ranging from mild disabilities such as speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism 2. There is no one cause of autism, just as there is no one type of autism.

Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes or mutations associated with autism. Research has identified more than autism risk genes. However, most cases involve a complex and variable combination of genetic risk and environmental factors that influence early brain development. A person with ASD may have difficulties developing in some areas and normal development in others.

Many individuals with ASD have difficulties interpreting sensory information, and may display over- or under-sensitivity. Being over-sensitive to sound, touch, taste, smell and vision can be distressing to individuals with an ASD and can result in strong reactions. Depending on the severity of the condition and secondary conditions, some people with ASD may be able to live independently, while others may need constant assistance and support.

Employment Support Us Contact us 4 Menu Open main navigation, some links have a secondary menu. And kids who have autism are often eligible for special education services. Special education law covers 13 types of disabilities , including a category known as specific learning disability SLD.

Autism is another category. Kids who have an SLD have challenges in certain academic skills. Reading, writing, and math are the main ones. Autism may cause challenges in those areas, too. However, it also has a broader impact on how kids develop. It affects communication and can cause trouble with social skills.