Autism, Disability Studies and Law

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability resulting in persistent deficits in an individual’s social and communication capabilities. It appears in the first three years of life and continues to be manifested throughout life. People diagnosed with ASD display varying degrees of symptoms, skills and capabilities. The American Psychiatric Association currently groups the following disorders under ASD: Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
Despite advances in genetic testing there is no biological test for ASD. It “occurs” across every socioeconomic level and among all racial and ethnic groups in this country. Boys are more frequently found to be impacted than girls. According to the Centers for Disease Control one in fify-eight children in the United States are affected.