0 a condition that is also referred to as autism and that affects the development of social and communication skills and sometimes a person's behaviour and interests:
It is well established that emotion recognition and mental state recognition are core difficulties in people with autism spectrum conditions.
The American Psychiatric Association diagnostic term is "autism spectrum disorder" (ASD), but the term "autism spectrum conditions" is considered by many to be less stigmatising as it embraces not only impairments, but strengths as well.
Many clinical accounts of autism spectrum conditions involve a child being fascinated by a machine such as a vacuum cleaner or washing machine.
Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) are "neurodevelopmental", meaning that the brain and central nervous system develop and function atypically.
The Autism Treatment Network seeks to develop better treatments for the medical problems that can affect people with an autism spectrum condition.