Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neuro-developmental conditions associated with substantial impairments in social interaction and communication. Individuals diagnosed with an ASD engage in varied degrees of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with an ASD also have varied ways of learning, attending, and reacting to sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD can vary from gifted to severely challenged.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of children diagnosed with ASD is growing dramatically. An average of 1 in 110 children in the United States have an ASD. ASDs are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, yet are on average 4 to 5 times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.
The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Autism Center (CHM Autism Center) was founded to improve the quality of life for children with ASD and their families by:
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Improving the local coordination of comprehensive, evidence-based, assessment, treatment and support for children with ASD and their families
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Enhancing the overall distribution of information to people involved with studying, treating and supporting children with ASD by organizing both the flow of information and the distribution of effort and resources dedicated to ASD
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Extending the knowledge and capabilities of the local professional community and thereby enhancing its capabilities to provide services
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Strengthening basic and translational ASD research locally and nationally