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?What Is Autism

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex

developmental condition that affects how people interact, communicate, learn,
and behave. People with ASD have differences in their brain function that can
.impact their behavior and social interactions

Autism appears before age 3 and persists throughout a person’s life. It's a
spectrum disorder, which means it affects people in different ways and in
.varying degrees

:People with autism may have trouble with

Communication. Communication and understanding others’ thoughts and

emotions might be difficult for someone with autism. This makes it hard for
them to express themselves, either with words or through gestures, facial
.expressions, and touch

Learning. Autism can come with learning problems, including developing skills
at an uneven rate. For example, someone with autism could have trouble
communicating but be unusually good at art, music, math, or things that involve
memory. Because of this, they might do especially well on tests of analysis or
.problem-solving

Transitions. Those with autism may struggle with transitions and changes in
.their daily routine

Sensory stimulation. They also have differences in how they react to sensory
input, like sound, lights, clothes, or temperature. Intense, overly focused interest
.in topics or actions is another common sign of ASD
More children are diagnosed with autism now than ever before. But the latest
numbers could be higher because of increased awareness and changes in how
it’s diagnosed, not because more children have the disorder. Scientists are
discovering more about the relationship between genetics, environmental
.factors, and biological factors in relation to ASD

Sometimes, people with autism receive a diagnosis as adults even though

they’ve had the condition since early childhood. This may happen when autism
.symptoms aren’t serious enough to impact someone’s daily life

Early intervention helps improve development of children with ASD, which may
.also make daily functioning easier in adulthood

Autism Functioning Labels

Autism affects every person differently. Sometimes people use the terms "high-
functioning" and "low-functioning" to describe someone's autism. But these
.labels can be offensive

People often still informally use these labels to describe someone's autism,
.even though they’re not medical terms

?What is low-functioning autism

About 30% of people with autism also have an intellectual disability. This
means they may need help with everyday tasks and sometimes aren't able to
".live alone. Many people call this "low-functioning autism

?What is high-functioning autism

Other people may have autism with less obvious symptoms. They often do well
in school and have fewer problems communicating. People usually call this
."high-functioning autism" or the outdated term, Asperger syndrome

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) introduced three ASD severity

levels in the DSM-5, the handbook health professionals use to diagnose mental
disorders. These levels describe the level of support someone with autism
:needs based on their behaviors and social communication needs

Level 1: Mild, requiring support

Level 2: Moderate, requiring substantial (or major) support

Level 3: Severe, requiring very substantial support

To talk about how autism affects someone, you can use terms like "more
significant" or "less significant." Better yet, ask someone with autism or their
.caregiver how they prefer to describe their condition

Autism Symptoms

Symptoms of autism usually appear before a child turns 3. Some people show
.signs from birth

Signs of autism

A lack of eye contact

A narrow range of interests or intense interest in certain topics

Doing something over and over, like repeating words or phrases, rocking back
)and forth, or fidgeting with objects (such as flipping a light switch
High sensitivity to sounds, touches, smells, or sights that seem ordinary to other
people

Not looking at or listening to other people

Not looking at things when another person points them out to you

Not wanting to be held or cuddled

Problems understanding or using speech, gestures, facial expressions, or tone

of voice

Talking in a sing-song, flat, or robotic voice

Trouble adapting to changes in routine

Some people with autism may also have seizures. These might not start until
.adolescence

Autism symptoms in adults

In adults, autism may show up in specific ways. Common symptoms can

:include

Trouble understanding what other people are thinking or feeling

Choosing to be on your own or having a hard time making friends

Anxiety about social activities

Keeping a daily routine and getting upset if it changes

Having a hard time expressing how you feel

Taking things literally or not understanding sarcasm

Coming off as blunt, uninterested, or rude to others without meaning to

:Other signs of autism in adults could include

Avoiding eye contact

"Not understanding social cues or "rules

Getting too close to others or getting upset if someone gets too close or
touches you

Being very interested in specific things

Picking up on small details, smells, sounds, or patterns that other people don't

Wanting to plan things very carefully before doing them

Autism symptoms in children

:Children may show different signs of autism. They may include

Not responding to their name by 9 months old

Not showing facial expressions by 9 months old

Not wanting to play simple games (like pat-a-cake) by 12 months old

Doesn't use gestures (like waving hello) by 12 months old

Doesn't understand when other people are sad or mad by 24 month old

Doesn't notice or want to join other children to play by 36 months old

Doesn't sing, act, or dance for you by 60 months old

Lines up toys in a specific order and gets upset if the order is changed
Shows obsessive interests

Rocks their body, flaps their hands, or spins in circles

Delayed language, movement, learning, or cognitive skills

Odd sleeping or eating habits

Less or more fear toward things than would ordinarily be expected

Stimming

Stimming is a self-stimulating behavior, such as hand and arm flapping,

rocking, spinning, twirling, jumping, head-banging, or other similar body
movements. It can also include using an object over and over again, like flicking
a rubber band, twirling a string, touching something with a certain texture, and
.more

People with autism may stim for fun, to ease boredom, or to cope with stress or
anxiety. It can also help them adjust the level of sensory input. For example,
they may twirl a string so they can watch it or focus on one sound so they can
.tune out another loud or stressful noise

Autism meltdowns

At times, a person with autism may become overwhelmed by a situation and

can't find a way to respond. This can cause them to have a meltdown. A
meltdown is more than a tantrum – it's a nervous system response that a
person with autism can’t control. They may cry, scream, or act out physically by
kicking, punching, or biting. They may shut down completely and stop
responding in any way. Meltdowns are the body’s physical response to an
.overwhelming sensory or emotional experience

To support someone with autism during a meltdown: Give them space,

.treat them with respect, and ensure a safe environment

infographic on autism signs

Types of Autism

Doctors once thought there were different types of autism or similar

developmental disorders. The following terms are no longer used because
:these conditions fall under the range of autism spectrum disorders

Asperger syndrome. Children with Asperger syndrome tend to score in the

average or above-average range on intelligence tests. But they may have
.challenges with social skills and show a narrow scope of interests

Autistic disorder. This is what most people think of when they hear the word
"autism." It affects social interactions, communication, and play in children
.younger than 3 years

Childhood disintegrative disorder. Children with this disorder have typical

development for at least 2 years and then lose some or most of their
.communication and social skills

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD or atypical autism). Your doctor

might use this term if your child has some autistic behavior, like delays in social
.and communications skills, but doesn’t fit into another category

?What Causes Autism

Exactly why autism happens isn't clear. It could stem from problems in parts of
.your brain that interpret sensory input and process language

Autism can happen in people of any race, ethnicity, or social background.

Family income, lifestyle, or educational level doesn’t affect a child’s risk of
:autism. But there are some risk factors

Being born to older parents

Being male or assigned male at birth. Autism is four times more common in
.boys than in girls

A sibling with autism

Genetic conditions like fragile X, Rett, and Down syndromes

Very low birth weight

?Is autism genetic

Autism runs in families, so certain combinations of genes may increase a

child’s risk. Changes in more than 1,000 genes may be linked to autism. But
not all of them are confirmed by experts. Genetic factors can affect someone's
.risk of autism anywhere from 40% to 80%

Your overall risk depends on the combination of your genes, environment, your
.parents' age, and any birth complications

A rare gene mutation or chromosome issue is likely to be the sole cause of

about 2% to 4% of people with autism. This tends to happen in conditions that
also affect other parts of the body, like with mutations in the ADNP gene. With
ADNP syndrome, a person will show signs of autism as well as have specific
.facial features

Many of the genes that are involved in autism are related to brain development.
This may be why autism symptoms tend to involve issues with communication,
.cognitive functioning, or socialization

Vaccines and autism

Vaccines don't cause autism. Even though some people have concerns that
they do, studies have shown that there is no link between the two. Experts
have reviewed the safety of eight vaccines for children and adults. They found
that they're very safe, despite rare exceptions. Other studies have looked at the
ingredients of different vaccines and found no link to autism. The health benefits
.of vaccines in preventing diseases far outweigh any potential risks

Autism Testing

It can be hard to get a definite diagnosis of autism. Your doctor will focus on
.behavior and development

.For children, diagnosis usually takes two steps

A developmental screening will tell your doctor whether your child is on track
with basic skills like learning, speaking, behavior, and moving. Experts suggest
that doctors screen children for these developmental delays during their regular
checkups at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months of age. Pediatricians routinely check
.children specifically for autism during their 18-month and 24-month checkups
If your child shows signs of a problem on these screenings, they’ll need a more
complete evaluation. You can request an autism evaluation for your child
through your state’s early intervention office, even without a doctor’s referral. A
trained specialist, often a child psychologist ordevelopmental-behavioral
pediatrician, will look at many things to figure out if your child has autism. The
specialist will ask you lots of questions about your child’s development,
behavior, and communication. They’ll also use different tests to measure your
child’s thinking (cognitive), language, and self-help (eating, dressing, toileting)
abilities. The specialist will observe your child’s behavior. A speech-language
pathologist and occupational therapist may also assess your child based on
your concerns and their symptoms. In addition, your doctor may recommend
hearing and vision tests or genetic tests, too. These factors help the team make
.a proper diagnosis

If you weren’t diagnosed with autism as a child but notice yourself showing
symptoms that are negatively impacting your life, talk to your doctor. You may
be referred to an autism specialist who will help you understand your symptoms
.and figure out if you have autism

If you weren’t diagnosed with autism as a child but notice yourself showing
symptoms, talk to your doctor. You may be referred to an autism specialist who
.will help you understand your symptoms and figure out if you have autism

What to do after an autism diagnosis

If you just got an autism diagnosis, there are a few steps you can take to feel
:your best
Take the time you need to understand the diagnosis. You might feel a ranged
of emotions. Know that you can reach out to your doctor for help. You can
.continue a normal life even after a diagnosis

Do your homework. You can read up on articles about autism. There's a lot of
information out there, but a few good sources are all you need to start learning
.about your diagnosis

Listen to others with autism. There are many blogs, books, or videos that you
can use to understand the condition. People with autism can also share their
.stories to help you learn more about it

Get the help you need. If you feel alone after you or your child got an autism
diagnosis, look for support. National advocacy groups, support groups, your
doctor, people on social media with autism, or your school, job, or college can
.help you navigate a diagnosis

Keep an eye out for other health issues. While autism isn't an illness, many
people with autism might also have other conditions, including ADHD, dyslexia,
and others. If you have questions about you or your child's health, see your
.doctor and explain your concerns

Autism Treatments

If you have autism, you’ll have it your entire life. But early treatment can make
a big difference in development for a child with autism. If you think your child
.shows symptoms of ASD, tell your doctor as soon as possible

What works for one person might not work for another. Your doctor should tailor
:treatment for you or your child. The main types of treatments are
Behavioral. Helps a person understand the causes and results of behaviors so
.they can change unwanted behaviors

Developmental. Speech therapy improves communication skills, physical

therapy improves motor ability, and occupational therapy works on life skills like
.dressing and eating

Psychological. Treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help

people deal with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues in addition
.to autism

.Educational. Adapts learning processes to the needs of people with autism

Social-relational. Focuses on improving social skills and building emotional

.bonds

Medications. Work to ease symptoms of ASD, like attention problems,

.hyperactivity, or anxiety

Complementary treatments may help boost learning and communication skills in

some people with autism. Complementary therapies include music, art, or
.animal-assisted therapy, such as horseback riding

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a type of treatment that aims to promote

.positive behavior and discourage negative or harmful behavior

The U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Associate

recognize ABA as an effective, evidenced based intervention that improves
functioning and skills in many children with autism. Advocates claim that it's the
best way for a person with autism to adapt in a way that lets them live in
society more easily. But some experts worry ABA goes too far to change and
control behaviors – behaviors autistic people feel are part of their identity. Keep
in mind, ABA is a flexible treatment. Your ABA therapist will create an
individualized plan to meet your child’s unique needs. Talk with your doctor to
.learn if ABA is right for your child and family

?Can you trust treatments that promise to cure autism

There is no cure for autism. Certain treatments are sold or advertised to treat
autism but don't actually work. Some of these fake treatments can even be
:dangerous. Don't try any of the following for autism

Raw camel's milk

GcMAF, which is an unlicensed injection made from blood cells

CEASE therapy, which tells people to avoid vaccinations and suggests people
take nutritional supplements that could be dangerous

)Chlorine dioxide (CD) or Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS

Some vitamins, minerals, and supplements

Secretin, a hormone found in your body

Chelation, which uses chemicals to take out heavy metal toxins in your blood

:To spot a fake treatment, look for these warning signs

.It claims that it's a "cure," "miracle," or that you can "recover from" autism

.It's not available on major, reputable health sites

.It costs a lot of money

".It claims to work in many people "instantly

.Personal stories that it worked instead of medical data

.States that anyone can do it, even without medical training

.It claims to cure many conditions

Autism and Diet

Autism is a complex brain disorder. There’s no hard evidence that special diets
help children with ASD. Talk to your doctor before trying something different,
.like a special diet

Some children with autism might appear to be picky eaters. They may only eat
foods of a certain color or texture, not eat enough or eat too much, or eat things
that aren't food. They can have constipation, which makes them feel full even if
.they're not, or have issues with coughing or gagging while they eat

While it may seem that cutting out certain foods could relieve your child’s
.symptoms, it might actually cause more harm

For example, children with autism often have thinner bones. Dairy products
have nutrients that can make their bones stronger. Studies on a protein in milk
products called casein have found that many children performed the same
whether or not they ate foods with this protein. Their autism symptoms didn’t
.change in any remarkable way

However, some diet changes may help with certain symptoms of autism. Food
allergies, for example, may make behavior problems worse. Removing the
.allergen from your child's diet may make some behavior issues better
The important thing is that your child’s diet needs to support their specific
nutritional needs and ASD symptoms. The best way to settle on the most useful
diet is to work with your doctor and a nutrition specialist like a registered
.dietitian. They’ll help you design a meal plan tailored for your child

Some children with autism have digestive problems like constipation, belly pain,
or nausea and vomiting. Your doctor can suggest a diet that won’t make these
.issues worse

Supplements for autism

Some evidence shows that people with autism may have low levels of certain
vitamins and minerals. This does not cause autism spectrum disorder. But your
doctor may suggest supplements to improve nutrition. Vitamin B and
magnesium are two of the supplements most often used for people with autism.
But people can overdose on these vitamins, so megavitamins should be
.avoided

And remember, nutritional needs change over time. Your child’s dietitian will
help you make sure the foods they eat are still meeting their needs as they get
.older

How to Help your Child With Autism

Communication

:If your child has autism, you can help them communicate better by

Using their name so they know you're speaking to them

Speaking slowly and clearly

Keeping language clear and simple

Giving them extra time to understand what you've just said

Using simple gestures, pictures, or eye contact to help them understand what
you're saying

:Avoid

Having a conversation in a noisy or crowded area

"Saying things that have more than one meaning like "break a leg

Asking your child a lot of questions

Trouble sleeping

Many kids with autism have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. You
:can help them by

Keeping a sleep diary to look for common issues

Following the same bedtime routine each night

Letting them use ear plugs to sleep, if they help

Keeping their bedroom dark and quiet

Talking to a doctor about issues that might affect their sleep

Socializing

:To help your child make friends and socialize

.Ask your child's school if they can help

.Ask your autism care team if they can give tips

Look into the National Autism Society directory for local social groups that can
.help those with autism

.Ask for or read information from other parents of children who have autism

:Make sure you don't

.Force your kid into social settings if they want to be on their own instead

.Put pressure on your child. Give them time to learn social skills

Autism Disparities

Autism affects some groups of people differently. And sometimes this means
unequal access to diagnosis, treatment, and support. It’s important to
understand autism disparities, or differences, to ensure that all people –
regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation – have equal access to autism
.care

Autism in women

Autism can sometimes be different for women compared to men. Compared to

:men, autistic cisgender women might

Hide their feelings

Be quieter

"Copy people who don't have autism or hide their autism signs in order to "fit in

Seem to deal better with social situations

Show fewer signs of repetitive behaviors

Your doctor may not have as much knowledge about diagnosing girls or women
with autism. Since many symptoms are focused on men with autism, this can
make it harder to tell if a girl or woman has autism. Because of this, girls and
women with autism may be misdiagnosed or missed entirely. As experts
become more aware of this, the estimates of how many men have autism
.compared to women has gotten smaller

Autism and racial and ethnic differences

Since 2000, the CDC has closely monitored the number and characteristics of
children with ASD in the U.S. Recent reports show that more Black and
Hispanic children are diagnosed with autism compared to white children.
Despite higher rates of autism among Black and Hispanic children, these
groups have significantly less access to autism resources than white children
::with ASD. Reasons for this may include

Geographic location

Low income

LGBTQ+ and autism

Research shows that people with autism are more likely to identify as a part of
the LGBTQ+ community than people who don't have it. People in this group
who also have autism are more likely to face discrimination, issues with getting
medical care, violence, and cultural stigmas. This can create greater mental
health complications for LGBTQ+ individuals who are autistic and already at a
.higher risk for these complications
Takeaways

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a complex developmental brain disorder

that affects communication, behavior, learning, and social interactions. Autism
appears before age 3, but diagnosis can occur at any age. ASD impacts people
differently, and degree and severity vary from person to person. While there is
no cure, early intervention and developmental, behavioral, and speech
therapies, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), can help people with
autism manage challenging symptoms and live a full life. Talk with your doctor if
you are concerned about your child’s development, or your own symptoms, to
.learn next steps for screening, diagnosis, and support

Autism FAQs

Can children with autism live a normal life? Children with autism communicate,
behave, interact, and learn differently from their peers without autism. With
appropriate support, children with autism can maximize their strengths and
.manage challenging symptoms to live a full life

What is autism level 2? The DSM-5 uses levels 1-3 to describe the varying
degrees of support needed by people with autism. Someone with level 2 autism
.needs substantial, or major, support

What is an autism test? There is no single test for autism. Instead, a child
development specialist diagnoses autism based on an evaluation that examines
your child’s development, behavior, learning, and communication. They
interview the parent or caregiver, observe your child, and use different testing
tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) to diagnose
.autism

What is life like for a person with autism? Autism is a condition that affects
individuals differently. Each person’s experience with autism is unique. Some
may excel at certain aspects of learning but struggle to communicate or interact
socially. Others may find it difficult to follow a daily routine because of restrictive
.or repetitive behaviors

How can you understand a person with autism? Ask someone with autism
or their caregiver about their strengths and needs. Learning about someone’s
boundaries, communication preferences, and sensory needs contributes to
.respectful and meaningful interactions