According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of disorders that affect brain function, specifically the areas that control social behaviors and communication skills. Autism is sometimes called a developmental disability because it usually starts before the age of three – in the developmental period – and because it causes delays or problems in many different skills from the time of infancy to adulthood. Individuals with autism can have very different symptoms.

Autism in Thailand

• Incidence rate is approximately 2-6 per 1,000 people.
• It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 individuals with autism in Thailand.
• Found in males more than females at a ratio of 4:1.
• Most come to see a doctor at around 2 years of age because of communication and language problems.
• Hardship in accessing intervention, and insufficienct number of health professionals that deal with autism in Thailand.