title: The prevalence and causes of autistic spectrum disorders.
abstract: Autism and autistic spectrum disorders are still relatively poorly understood. This article outlines the results of new research into the prevalence of autism and into the causes of the condition and highlights implications for nurses from the findings.
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hainsworth
mesh_terms: D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D004519:Education, Special / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology