The American Board of Autism Spectrum Disorders is charged with implementing and administering a high quality program of certification for speech-language pathologists serving the communication and related social, developmental, and behavioral needs of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Mission
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, speech and language development and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences and that serving people with autism requires detailed knowledge and skills on the assessment and intervention related to communication abilities and social development.
Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. Autism Speaks urges parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes. Speech-Language Pathologists holding Autism Specialty Certification have met the highest standards for education and clinical experience to serve people with autism and their families.
Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. Autism Speaks urges parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes. Speech-Language Pathologists holding Autism Specialty Certification have the knowledge, skills, and experience for early identification of ASD.
Some facts about autism
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 54 children in the United States. This includes 1 in 34 boys and 1 in 145 girls.
An estimated 50,000 teens with autism become adults – and lose school-based autism services – each year.
Around one third of people with autism remain nonverbal.
Around one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability.
All people with autism have communication and social skills differences that holders of the Autism Specialty Certification are uniquely qualified to support.