Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has many common characteristics and symptoms, but each person with ASD has their own set of gifts and struggles that can differ greatly from those of his peers. Autism spectrum disorders present with a wide variety of signs, symptoms, traits, and characteristics that can range from mild to severe disabilities. Each autistic person is unique and may have different traits than the person next to them who also has autism. As noted on Ascend, “if you've met someone with AS, you've met someone with AS” (“Common Characteristics of AS”). Understanding and identifying the characteristics of autism at all age levels will help parents, caregivers and doctors notice delays and atypical behaviors so that the individual can be diagnosed and receive supportive services. Autism spectrum disorders have been reassessed and reorganized to make them clearer and easier to diagnose. According to the DSM-V, ASD "now encompasses the former distinct DSM-IV categories of 'classic' autism, Asperger's disorder...pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder" ( “Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders according to the DSM-V”). To be diagnosed with ASD, a person must have deficits in communication and social interaction and repetitive or restricted behaviors (Hyman, Susan). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 68 children have been diagnosed with ASD. It is five times more common in boys than in girls. ASDs occur equally in all races and ethnicities. If one child in a family has autism, parents are 2 to 18 percent more likely to have a second child with autism. More than half of children diagnosed with ASD have average to above average intelligence ("Data and Statistics")....... middle of article ...... are supervised full-time for leading a highly successful career and living independently (“Autism-Symptoms”). Some autistic adults may have trouble chatting, be anxious when things don't go as planned, or have difficulty maintaining a meaningful relationship. Autistic adults may have difficulty making eye contact, expressing emotions, or not being able to pick up on body language or facial cues. Many autistic adults also have secondary health problems such as “obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, and anxieties” (Franco, Virginia). Adults with ASD display certain positive traits such as average to above average intelligence, strong problem-solving skills, perseverance and diligence in pursuing goals or tasks, and honesty (“ Common characteristics of SA"). Over the course of their lives, many adults have experienced different therapies and treatments..