Autistic spectrum disorders are complex developmental disorders, associated with the well-known symptoms of social and communication difficulties, self-stimulatory and repetitive behaviors, and narrow or overly-focused interests. These symptoms result from underlying challenges in a child’s ability to take in the world through his senses, and to use his body and thoughts to respond to it. When these challenges are significant, they interfere with a child’s ability to grow and learn, and may lead to a diagnosis of autism. Learn more about autism and related disorders in What are These Disorders?

Prevailing wisdom suggests that children with autistic spectrum disorders cannot love with the same degree of warmth and intimacy as others. Learn more about this myth and others in Autism Myths and Facts. Read “A New Look at Autism,” a letter from Dr. Stanley Greenspan, which sheds light on the modern way of understanding and treating autism.

Today, with early and intensive treatment tailored to the child’s needs, he can learn to relate, love others very deeply and begin climbing the developmental ladder to think creatively and logically. Yet historically low expectations linked to the label of autism persist. Learn about avoiding the pitfalls of labels in Moving Beyond The Label.