Autism spectrum disorder is a brain-based developmental disorder involving multiple abnormal perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, and social behaviors. As rates of autism spectrum disorder increase, it is important to improve our understanding of the causes of the disorder and become more culturally aware and sensitive to screening for the disorder in order to find effective interventions. Understanding the current clinical picture, etiology, and treatment of ASD will be discussed. Autism was a label coined in the early 20th century from the Greek word autos meaning "self" as it was used to refer to individuals who "withdrew from the fabric". of social life in the self” (Hallahan, Kauffman, Pullen, 2015, pp.210). Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder typically occur before the age of three and include extreme insensitivity toward other people, severe communication deficits, and highly rigid and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities (Comer, 2014). It is important to note that ASD includes many symptoms of varying severity. Daniel P. Hallahan, James M. Kauffman, and Paige C. Pullen point out that “the term spectrum emphasizes that the disabilities associated with ASD fall on a continuum from relatively mild to severe” (Hallahan, Kauffman, Pullen, 2015, pp. 211 ). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the symptoms of ASD are wide-ranging and are divided into two general domains: “social communication impairment” and “repetitive/restricted behaviors” (Hallahan, Kauffman, Pullen, 2015, pp . 211 ). Children who fall on the mild end of the spectrum are called “high-functioning.” These children often have special gifts or talents in specialized areas such as mathematics or... middle of paper... the symptoms are the same, the cause is different from child to child, and their reactions to the symptoms vary. Early intervention shows the greatest improvement in children with ASD. Particular treatments that help include cognitive behavioral therapy, therapy, communication training, parent training, and community integration, as well as certain medications (Comer, 2014). Methods to improve communication and socialization, as well as increasing services in schools, have had some success, but the results are still mixed. With prevalence rates increasing, understanding, development, respect and support all become increasingly crucial elements of autism spectrum disorder. Identifying the source of this brain-based developmental disorder will help determine the individualized plan that will hopefully help cure, if not at least improve, a person living with ASD.