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What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism (say: AW-tiz-um) spectrum disorder is a difference in the way a kid's brain develops. Kids with autism may have
trouble understanding the world around them.

What's It Like to Have Autism Spectrum Disorder?

A kid with autism might have trouble:

 talking and learning the meaning of words

 making friends or fitting in
 dealing with changes (like trying new foods, having a substitute teacher, or having toys moved
from their normal places)
 dealing with loud noises, bright lights, or crowds
Kids also might move in an unusual way (like flapping their hands) or do the same thing over and over (like saying the
same word).
A kid with autism may have a little trouble with these things, or a lot. Some kids need only a little bit of help, and others
might need a lot of help with learning and doing everyday stuff.
What Causes Autism?
Autism is something people are born with. No one knows exactly what causes it. It probably has something to do with a
kid's genes and other things that change the way the brain develops.
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
Doctors check babies and little kids for signs of autism at every checkup. A parent may think that something is wrong and
tell the doctor. Maybe the child is old enough to speak but doesn't. Or a kid doesn't seem interested in people or plays in
unusual ways.
When a doctor thinks a kid might have autism, he or she will work with a team of experts to see if it is autism or something
else.
How Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Treated?
There is no cure for autism, but treatment can make a big difference. The younger kids are when they start treatment, the
better.
Doctors, therapists, and special education teachers can help kids learn to talk, play, and learn. Therapists also help kids
learn about making friends, taking turns, and getting along.
What if My Friend Has Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Some people with ASD do not feel that they have a disorder and don't want to change. They're proud of who they are and
they want to be accepted, even though they may have different strengths and weaknesses than most other people.
All people deserve respect. But kids with ASD may be teased, bullied, or left out because they're different. Bullying and
teasing are never the right way to treat other people, but it may be hard to be a friend with someone who has ASD.
Kids with ASD often don't understand playful jokes. You may need to be very clear when you communicate with someone
who has ASD.
Try to be patient and kind. Remember how hard it might be for the person with ASD to understand how to be a friend.
Stand up for classmates who are bullied. Tell adults, so they can help protect kids who are bullied.
Reviewed by: Diane E. Treadwell-Deering, MD
Date reviewed: March 2019
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What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain disorder that starts early in life. It affects social communication and interaction
and is accompanied by repeating and narrow patterns of behavior or interests.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Children with ASD often have problems with:

 body language and eye contact

 social interactions
 building and maintaining relationships
 sensory input
 rigid behavior
 intense and unusual interests
In toddlers, parents might notice:
 delayed speech
 using only a few gestures (waving, clapping, pointing)
 not responding when someone calls their name
 avoiding eye contact
 not sharing enjoyment or interests with others
 unusual ways of moving the hands, fingers, or whole body
 being very focused or attached to unusual objects
 little to no imitating of others or pretending
 unusual sensory interests
 rituals such as repeating things over and over or lining up objects
Milder symptoms may not be recognized until a child is older and has problems with:
 forming friendships
 pretend play
 knowing how to act in different social situations
 unusual, intense interests in specific topics or activities
No two people with ASD have the same signs and symptoms. Many things can play a role, such as language delays,
thinking and learning problems, and behavioral challenges. For this reason, autism is described as a "spectrum."

How Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed?

Public awareness of the signs of autism and new screening tools have made early identification of autism easier. Doctors
look for signs and symptoms at every checkup, ask about concerns parents may have, and do a screening test at the 18-
month and 2-year visits.
If any concerns are found, doctors will suggest a complete evaluation. This usually involves a team of experts. The team
may include:
 medical doctors who treat developmental disorders
 psychologists
 occupational therapists and speech therapists
They'll observe and evaluate the child to understand his or her language/communication, thinking, emotions, development,
physical health, social skills, and self-help skills. They'll also ask the family about their concerns and the child's birth,
growth, development, behavior, and family history.
 What Causes ASD?
The exact cause of ASD is unknown. It's likely that many different things in combination lead to changes in the way the
brain develops before a baby is born. The strongest evidence supports the role of a person's genes.
Other things, such as problems during pregnancy or at birth, might play a role. Many children with ASD also have an
intellectual disability.
Vaccines do not cause autism.
How Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Treated?
The earlier treatment for kids with ASD starts, the better. Depending on a child's needs, treatment may include behavior
therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, and extra help with learning. The goal is to help kids:
 communicate better
 play with others and learn social skills
 lessen repetitive or bad behaviors
 improve learning
 be safe and take care of their bodies
Before Age 3
Before age 3, kids might be eligible for services through their state's early intervention program. Families work with a team
of experts on an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan outlines goals and comes up with a treatment plan.
A team of therapists provides therapy at home or in daycare to eligible families.
Services may also be available in hospital-based clinics or in community centers. Insurance companies may reimburse for
many services.
After Age 3
Kids ages 3 to 5 years old with ASD who qualify are entitled to free preschool services under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Therapy and/or extra learning help is offered through local school districts or other
learning centers — either at home or in a classroom.
When kids reach kindergarten age, parents can ask to switch to an individualized education program (IEP) through the
local school district. An IEP can include learning goals along with behavioral, social, and self-care goals. Special education
services are available until a child's 21st birthday.
Hospitals, medical centers, and clinics that provide children's health services often have services for kids with ASD. Both
public and private behavioral health clinics may have specific services for them. Freestanding autism centers in the
community may offer some services that benefit kids with ASD.
Sometimes medicines are used to treat symptoms like aggression, hyperactivity and inattention, anxiety, depression, and
sleep problems.
There isn't much research to show the benefits of many therapy approaches to ASD — such as diet changes;
supplements; and music, art, and animal therapies. Tell your doctor and other team members about any other therapies
you're using or considering so you can discuss the risks and possible benefits.