Executive Summary: Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract

* Abbreviations: ASD — : autism spectrum disorder DSM-5 — : Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with reported prevalence in the United States of 1 in 59 children (approximately 1.7%). ASD significantly influences the lives of affected children and families because they may need extensive behavioral, educational, health, and other services. Primary care providers play a critical role in identifying, diagnosing, and managing ASD in children and providing support for their families. This document provides a summary of the clinical report “Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” published concurrently in the online version of Pediatrics . In the years since 2007, when the American Academy of Pediatrics published the clinical reports “Identification and Diagnosis of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” and “Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” reported prevalence rates of children with ASD have increased, understanding of potential risk factors has expanded, awareness of co-occurring medical and behavioral conditions and genetic contribution to etiology has improved, and the body of research supporting evidence-based interventions has grown substantially. The updated document discusses evaluation and treatment as a continuum in 1 publication with a table of contents to help the reader identify topic areas within the report. ASD is more commonly diagnosed than in the past, and the significant health, educational, and social needs of individuals with ASD and their families constitute an area of critical need for resources, research, and professional education. Address correspondence to Susan L. Hyman, MD. E-mail: susan_hyman{at}RMC.Rochester.edu