The Importance of Recognizing Autism Spectrum Disorders in Intellectual Disability
Anne DesNoyers Hurley, Ph.D. & Andrew S. Levitas, M.D.

In the recent decade, clinical interest, research, and public knowledge of autism spectrum disorders has increased markedly. The majority of the scientific progress and controversy involves its occurrence among people who are intellectually normal. It is now considered to be a “spectrum” disorder so that an individual may have mild to severe symptoms. Many people with intellectual disability may have concurrent autism spectrum disorders that are not identified. For those who are within this spectrum, it is essential that a diagnosis be made and that subsequent therapies, programs, and supports are changed to address the unique needs of people within the autism spectrum.