What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. People with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in different ways than most other people.

Signs and Symptoms

ASD signs and symptoms begin to appear before three years old. But can also occur in adolescents and adults. These can last throughout a person’s life, but the symptoms can improve over time. A few early signs and symptoms of ASD are: 

• Not showing facial expressions like happy, sad, or angry by nine months.
• Avoids or does not keep eye contact.
• Not responding to sounds, voices, or names.
• No one-word communication for 16 months.

Some signs for adolescents and adults can include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety in social situations.
• Trouble making eye contact.
• Obsession with rigid routines and sameness.
• Difficulty making conversation.

It is important to note that people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. 

If you believe a friend or family member may be showing signs or symptoms of ASD, consult a physician. If the physician shows further concern, ask them to refer you to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation.

Diagnosis

Since there is no medical test for ASD, doctors have to look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. Sometimes ASD can be detected by 18 months or younger. But many children don’t receive a final diagnosis until they are much older. So instead, a physician can perform a brief test using screening tools that can indicate if there are any areas of developmental concern.

Treatment

There is no cure for ASD, but research has shown that early intervention treatment can improve behavior, skills, and language development. While early intervention is ideal, treatment is helpful at any age.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Facts 

• In 2021 it was reported that 1 in 54 children in the U.S. was diagnosed with ASD. 
• It is estimated that 1 in 160 children worldwide has a form of ASD. 
• Males are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD.
• ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger syndrome.
• A reliable diagnosis of ASD can be made as young as two years old.

April 2nd is National Autism Awareness Day. We encourage all our members to increase awareness, acceptance, and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder worldwide.

For more information on ASD, see:

• Autism Science Foundation at autismsciencefoundation.org
• Association for Science in Autism Treatment at asatonline.org
• National Autism Center at nationalautismcenter.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ASD page at cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism
• Autism Speaks Tool Kits at autismspeaks.org/tool-kit