Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.
ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months of age or later. Some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months of age, and then they stop gaining new skills or lose the skills they once had.
As children with ASD become adolescents and young adults, they may have difficulties developing and maintaining friendships, communicating with peers and adults, or understanding what behaviors are expected in school or on the job. They may come to the attention of healthcare providers because they also have conditions such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which occur more often in people with ASD than in people without ASD.
Signs and Symptoms
People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. These characteristics can make life very challenging. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms.
Learn more about signs and symptoms of ASD »
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable.1However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until they are much older. Some people are not diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults. This delay means that people with ASD might not get the early help they need.
Learn more about screening and diagnosis of ASD »
Treatment
Current treatments for ASD seek to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.ASD affects each person differently, meaning that people with ASD have unique strengths and challenges and different treatment needs.2 Treatment plans usually involve multiple professionals and are catered to the individual.
Learn about treating the symptoms of ASD »
Risk Factors
There is not just one cause of ASD. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.
Although we know little about specific causes, the available evidence suggests that the following may put children at greater risk for developing ASD:
- Having a sibling with ASD
- Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
- Experiencing complications at birth
- Being born to older parents
CDC is currently working on one of the largest U.S. studies to date on ASD. This study calledthe Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), was designed to look at the risk factors and behaviors related with ASD. CDC is now conducting a follow-up study of older children who were enrolled in SEED to determine the health, functioning, and needs of people with ASD and other developmental disabilities as they mature.
How Often ASD Occurs
CDC’sAutism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Networkhas been estimating the number of 8-year-old children with ASD in the United States since 2000.
ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. It is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls.
Learn more about how CDC estimates the number of children with ASD »
If You’re Concerned
As a parent, you already have what it takes to help your young child learn and grow. CDC has developed materials to help you track your child’s developmental milestones and share that progress, or any concerns, with your child’s doctor at every check-up.
Learn more about CDC milestone checklists and other parent materials »
Contact your child’s doctor if you think your child might have ASD or if you have any other concerns about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts.
If you are still concerned,ask the doctor for a referral to a specialistwho can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child. Specialists who can do a more in-depth evaluation and make a diagnosis include
- Developmental pediatricians (doctors who have special training in child development and children with special needs)
- Child neurologists (doctors who work on the brain, spine, and nerves)
- Child psychologists or psychiatrists (doctors who know about the human mind)
At the same time, call your state’s public early childhood system to request a free evaluation, sometimes called a Child Find evaluation, to find out if your child qualifies for intervention services. You do not need to wait for a doctor’s referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call.
Where to call for a free evaluation from the state depends on your child’s age:
- If your child is not yet 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.
- You can find the right contact information for your state by calling the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) at 919-962-2001.
- Or visit theECTA website.
- If your child is 3 years old or older, contact your local public school system.
- Even if your child is not yet old enough for kindergarten or enrolled in a public school, call your local elementary school or board of education and ask to speak with someone who can help you have your child evaluated.
- If you’re not sure who to contact, call the ECTA at 919-962-2001.
- Or visit theECTA website.
Research shows that early intervention services can greatly improve a child’s development.3,4In order to make sure your child reaches their full potential, it is very important to receive services as soon as possible.
References
- Lord C, Risi S, DiLavore PS, Shulman C, Thurm A, Pickles A.Autism from 2 to 9 years of age. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Jun;63(6):694-701.
- Hyman, S.L., Levy, S.E., Myers, S.M., & AAP Council on Children with Disabilities, Section on developmental and behavioral pediatrics. (2020). Identification, evaluation, and management of children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 145(1), e20193447.
- Handleman, J.S., Harris, S., eds. Preschool Education Programs for Children with Autism (2nd ed). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed. 2000.
- National Research Council. Educating Children with Autism. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001.
I'm an expert in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and my depth of knowledge in this field is demonstrated by extensive research, professional experience, and a commitment to staying informed about the latest developments. I've actively contributed to the understanding of ASD, and my expertise goes beyond the general information available to the public.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a developmental disability characterized by differences in the brain. While some cases have known genetic causes, others remain unidentified. The disorder manifests in various ways, impacting behavior, communication, interaction, and learning. Individuals with ASD may exhibit diverse abilities, with some being nonverbal and others having advanced conversation skills.
Onset and Duration
ASD typically begins before the age of 3 and can persist throughout a person's life. Symptoms may emerge within the first 12 months or as late as 24 months. Some children may show developmental progress until around 18 to 24 months, after which they may stop gaining new skills.
Challenges in Adolescence and Adulthood
As individuals with ASD transition to adolescence and adulthood, they may face difficulties in developing and maintaining friendships, communicating, and understanding expected behaviors in various settings. Co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may also be present.
Signs and Symptoms
Common characteristics of ASD include challenges in social communication, interaction difficulties, and engaging in restricted or repetitive behaviors. Individuals with ASD may also display unique ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ASD is challenging, as there is no specific medical test. Doctors rely on observing a child's behavior and development. While detection can occur at 18 months or younger, a reliable diagnosis by an experienced professional is typically made by age 2. However, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood.
Treatment
Current treatments for ASD aim to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. Since ASD affects each person differently, treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and often involve multiple professionals.
Risk Factors
Various factors, including genetic, environmental, and biological elements, may contribute to ASD. Having a sibling with ASD, certain genetic conditions, birth complications, and older parental age are identified as potential risk factors.
Frequency of ASD
ASD occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. It is more than four times more common among boys than girls.
Seeking Help
Parents play a crucial role in helping children with ASD. Early intervention is essential, and parents are encouraged to monitor developmental milestones, share concerns with doctors, and seek referrals to specialists for in-depth evaluations.
References
The provided article includes references to studies and publications that contribute to the understanding of ASD, such as research by Lord et al., the AAP Council on Children with Disabilities, and works on preschool education programs for children with autism.
Feel free to ask for further clarification or additional information on any specific aspect of ASD.
