Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Accurate Visuals for Healthcare Publishing
The term autism originates from the Ancient Greek word for "self," referring to a condition in which individuals appear to withdraw inward. The term was not applied in a clinical context until the 1940s when it began to describe what we now recognize as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Today, ASD encompasses a wide range of neurodevelopmental conditions that share key characteristics, including challenges with social interaction, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), and repetitive behaviors. In the United States, ASD affects approximately 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults.
Autism spectrum disorder is a serious condition that impacts the nervous system and can significantly impair a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common signs include difficulties with communication, limited social engagement, highly focused interests, and repetitive routines or behaviors.
Early diagnosis, along with behavioral, educational, and family-based therapies, can help reduce symptoms and support learning and development. Depending on the level of support needed, individuals with ASD are classified into one of three levels:
Level 1: Requiring support
Level 2: Requiring substantial support
Level 3: Requiring very substantial support
It’s also common for individuals with ASD to experience co-occurring health conditions, such as seizures, chronic gastrointestinal issues, sensory or eating difficulties, and mental health disorders.
The prevalence of ASD has significantly increased in recent years. This rise is attributed to improved diagnostic tools, heightened awareness, more accurate reporting, better data collection, and possible environmental influences.
As a healthcare publisher, it's essential to deliver accurate and compassionate content about ASD, including current approaches to treatment, diagnosis, and support. At Science Source, we are committed to providing you with high-quality, medically accurate images—each with verified model release information, comprehensive metadata, and pricing to meet your budget needs.
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Fragile X Syndrome
Infographic illustration about Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder on the autism spectrum. © Monica Schroeder / Science Source
Child in MEG scanner
Girl aged 9 in a Magnetoencephalograph (MEG) scanner. The scanner detects magnetic fields generated by neural activity. The data is used to investigate psychiatric and neurological disorders such as ADHD, epilepsy, autism, Alzheimer's, and dementia. © James King-Holmes / Science Source
Autism Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy session for a child with autism and behavior disorders. © Amelie Benoist Khakurel / Science Source
Michael Rutter, British psychiatrist
Michael Rutter (born 1933), a British psychiatrist, with one of his diagnostic tools. He has worked in autism and child development. Rutter assessed the maternal deprivation theory and corrected it to include the effects of social deprivation and family discord. © Corbin O'Grady Studio /Science Source