Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Children with ASD look just like children who do have ASD. Children with ASD may:

• Have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things
• Have problems with communication, emotional, and social skills
• Not want change in their daily activities
• Repeat certain behaviors

How a child with ASD learns, solves problems, and thinks can range from gifted to severely challenged.

A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately:

• Asperger’s syndrome
• Autistic disorder
• Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

Signs of ASD begin during early childhood, typically last throughout a person’s life, and can include:

• Appearing to be unaware when people talk to them, but responding to other sounds
• Avoiding eye contact
• Being very interested in people, but not knowing how to talk, play, or relate to them
• Having trouble adapting when a routine changes
• Having trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
• Having trouble relating to others
• Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Having unusual reactions to the way things feel, look, smell, sound, and/or taste
• Losing skills they once had (e.g., no longer saying words they were using)
• Not having an interest in other people
• Not looking at objects when another person points at them
• Not playing “pretend” games (for example, not pretending to “feed” a doll)
• Not pointing at objects to show interest (for example, not pointing at an airplane flying over)
• Preferring not to be held or cuddled, or cuddling only when they want to
• Repeating actions over and over again
• Repeating or echoing words or phrases said to them, or repeating words or phrases in place of normal language
• Wanting to be alone

Diagnosing ASD can be difficult. A doctor looks at a child’s behavior and development. There is no medical test to diagnose ASD.

Children with ASD:

• Can be diagnosed at 18 months or younger
• Often do not get a final diagnosis until much older
• May not get the help they need, if not diagnosed at a young age

ASD currently has no cure. Early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development, according to the CDC. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills, such as:

• Interacting with others
• Talking
• Walking

Talk to your child’s doctor as soon as you think your child has ASD or other developmental problems.

Scientists have identified many causes for ASD, including:

• Biologic factors
• Environmental factors
• Genetic factors
• How old a child’s parents are when the child is born
• The prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide, if taken during pregnancy

Scientists do not know all causes of ASD. Scientists are certain that vaccines do not cause ASD.²

According to the CDC, as children with ASD age, they have a higher risk of:³

• Being unemployed or underemployed
• Going to college
• Moving away from their families or relatives
• Spending little to no time with friends or participating in community or social activities—nearly 40% spend little or no time with friends

Individuals with ASD, during adolescence and young adulthood:

• May experience changes in their ASD symptoms, behaviors, and co-occurring health conditions
• May have trouble functioning and participating in the community

If you are concerned about your child’s behavior—or if you are concerned about your behavior—talk to your doctor.