Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability

There is a significant overlap between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disability (ID). In this chapter, we review this co-occurring relationship. We choose to tackle this task by examining issues related to definition and classification, biological underpinnings, and epidemiology. We then discuss the impact of level of functioning on the presentation of ASDs and their associated features as well as the similarities and differences between the two disabilities in terms of psychopathology and adaptive behavior. This chapter is not meant to be a comprehensive review of the literature. Rather, it is meant to provide a summary of relevant and contemporary studies on these selected themes.

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