Autism

Autism spectrum disorder varies widely in its severity and symptoms. Individuals with ASD have unique strengths, challenges, and needs, and cognitive and behavioral symptoms can range from mild to severe.

People with ASD may communicate, behave, interact, and learn in different ways than other people. They often have difficulty with social interaction, emotional skills, and verbal and nonverbal communication.

Early symptoms often include a significant delay in developing language or social skills. The behaviors associated with ASD usually appear within a child’s first 2 years. Children or adults with ASD may:

• avoid eye contact or prefer to be alone
• have trouble understanding or talking about feelings
• have difficulty reading social cues (including tone, facial expressions, and body language)
• show a narrow, intense focus on specific topics, interests, or objects
• engage in repetitive behaviors, such as rocking or repeating words or phrases
• have difficulty adapting to changes in routine
• be sensitive to light, sound, clothing, or temperature

Some people on the spectrum may also demonstrate strengths for certain types of learning and remembering detailed information. They can be strong visual or auditory learners and may be gifted in math, science, music, or art.

When a child is between 18 and 24 months old, their pediatrician will conduct autism-specific screening that assesses behavior and development. If there are concerns, the doctor will refer the child to a team of specialists for a neurological assessment as well as cognitive and language testing. Specialists may include developmental pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, child psychologists or psychiatrists, and speech-language pathologists. Doctors with training in autism apply strict criteria before making a final diagnosis.

While ASD is typically diagnosed by 24 months of age, older children and adults can also be diagnosed. ASD may go unrecognized for years, especially in children who have mild symptoms or have other disabilities. With older children, caregivers or teachers may raise concerns about their social, emotional, and academic development. Adults may report communication challenges that interfere with work or social situations, repetitive behaviors, sensory issues, or restricted interests.

There is no cure for autism, but research shows that early intervention can help lessen developmental challenges and help children on the spectrum develop important skills. Services are available through local early intervention systems for children up to age 3 and through local public school systems for children 3 years and older. There are a variety of therapies and behavioral interventions for people of any age that can help reduce symptoms that interfere with everyday function.

A child with ASD may be more likely to achieve independence, healthy routines, and robust relationships through a personalized combination of therapies tailored to their specific needs. These can include developmental, behavioral, educational, social-relational, and alternative treatments. Often a combination of speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy can help with social and cognitive development. In some cases, medication may help manage irritability, aggression, self-harming behaviors, or other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

Current research efforts are exploring the causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of autism.

The Center for Disease Control’s Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) is a multi-year research study designed to help identify factors that may put children at risk for ASD and other developmental disabilities.