Integrating the marginalized : a neuropsychosocial perspective of autism spectrum disorders in American society

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social and communicative deficits, and repetitive behaviors, and generally onset before three years of age. ASDs have come more and more into the public consciousness since the 1980s because diagnosis rates have sharply risen (2012 CDC estimates place prevalence at 1 child per 88). Despite the dramatic increase in societal awareness of ASDs, societal understanding of their biology and psychology has lagged. Examining ASDs through biological, neuropsychological, and sociocultural perspectives will facilitate a more complete understanding of what ASDs are, where they come from, and how society can better integrate affected individuals in the future.