April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, and the whole month of April is World Autism Awareness Month. We spoke with Dr. Jeremy Veenstra-Vanderweele, Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, about the basics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. ASD occurs in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups.

ASD is highly treatable with a combination of treatments and services. If you think that your child might be dealing with ASD, it’s important that you seek out a mental health care professional. Early detection is key.

Learn more about child psychiatrists and psychologists in the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia Psychiatry here: https://www.columbiadoctors.org/childrens-health/psychiatry-psychology.

Additional resources:
https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/conversation-dr-jeremy-veenstra-vanderweele-about-autism-spectrum-disorder
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
https://childadolescentpsych.cumc.columbia.edu/
https://www.columbiadoctors.org/childrens-health/psychiatry-psychology
https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/profile/jeremy-veenstra-vanderweele-md
https://www.columbiadoctors.org/find-a-doctor?keywords=Autism&insurance=All&location=&language=&gender=All

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