What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered a “developmental disorder” because it occurs very early in life, often prior to the age of 3. It may be apparent from early infancy or may begin to manifest after a period of typical development. Experts estimate that autism is diagnosed in 1 out of every 36 children in the United States and is four times more common in boys than girls. Autism affects 1 in every 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls. It occurs regardless of race, religion, income level, or other societal factors.

Autism is a life-long disorder that exists along a continuum of functioning levels – from those who have mild symptoms and can function independently – to those with severe delays in all areas of development who require continuous supervision. Regardless of the nature of their delays, many individuals with ASD can make substantial gains with appropriate treatment.

What are the common signs of autism?

The first signs of autism usually appear before age 3. The earliest signs typically include:

• Little to no speech or loss of previously acquired speech
• Poor eye contact
• Lack of pointing
• Unusual play or lack of play

Other common signs include:

• Poor social skills
• Over- or under-sensitivity to sound, sight, taste, touch or smell
• Repetitive movements (hand flapping, body rocking)
• Difficulty with changes in routine or surroundings
• Challenging behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, or severe withdrawal
• Echolalia (repeats words instead of responding)
• Not responding when called by name or appearing to be deaf

What causes ASD?

A substantial amount of research is underway to determine the biological causes of autism, but a single cause has not been identified. Some cases of autism have been found to have a genetic component, although a single gene is not responsible for the disorder. ASD occurs with increased frequency in identical twins.