Piecing together the autism puzzle

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the umbrella term for neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by a reduced ability to communicate with others and interact socially, and a restricted range of activities and interests. This life-long condition severely impacts the individual's quality of life and personal relationships, with longer-term effects on education and employment, mental health and family stability. ASD is a growing public health concern in Australia, with a dramatic increase in the number of reported diagnoses over the past three decades and an estimated annual public health burden of between $4.5 and $7.2 billion.