Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that occurs in up to 1% of children and adults in the general population and up to 40% of individuals within the learning disability population.

ASD is diagnosed on the basis of observable impairments and behaviours in three core areas (also known as the triad of impairments). These are: 1. impairments in communication and language, 2. impairments in social interaction and social relatedness and, 3. the presence of repetitive behaviours and restricted interests.

In children with ASD, difficulties in these three areas are typically evident before the age of three years. ASD is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people with ASD share certain difficulties, there is a great deal of variability in the way in which these difficulties are seen and in their severity.

The specific causes of ASD remain unknown but most studies indicate a biological or genetic cause. A high level of heritability (passing within families) of ASD characteristics in families and siblings of affected individuals has been reported. However, this is not always the case and there are many individuals with ASD in which there are no familial links to the condition.

To download an article and read more about ASD in genetic syndromes click below:

Cerebra: ASD in genetic syndromes

Or alternatively you can visit the indiviudal webpages for each syndrome that present research findings:

Angelman
Cornelia de Lange
Cri du Chat