Autism Spectrum Disorder

Regardless of practice setting, counselors are likely to work with an individual or family affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Ongoing research efforts are providing an increasing base of information about causes, interventions, and signs that early intervention may be needed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2013) recently reported that the prevalence of ASD is now estimated at 1 in 50 children. ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is more than four times more common among boys (3.23%) than girls (.70%; Blumberg et al., 2013).