Autism Information

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a range of conditions that features difficulties with repetitive behaviors, social skills, speech and nonverbal communication. People with autism also have unique strengths and gifts.

The American Psychiatric Association merged autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) under the umbrella of ASD in 2013.

As the word spectrum suggests, the challenges and strengths of people with autism vary widely. Just as the presentation of autism varies, researchers believe that a number of genetic and environmental influences are responsible for the disorder.

Autism information – signs of autism

It’s critical for parents to be armed with relevant autism information. Children with autism often start to exhibit the most-obvious signs between two to three years old. However, autism can sometimes be diagnosed when a child is as young as 18 months old. Certain developmental delays that are associated with autism can be addressed even earlier. Early intervention, which we offer as a national autism treatment provider, is important because it drastically improves outcomes for children with autism.

The following signs can help you identify whether your child might have autism.

  • Six months. No social smiles directed at people and limited or no eye contact

  • Nine months. No sharing of smiles, vocal sounds or nonverbal communication

  • 12 months. No babbling, response to name or use of gestures to communicate

  • 16 months. No words

  • 24 months. No meaningful, two-word phrases

  • Any age. Loss of any previously acquired babbling, social skills or speech

  • Any age. Avoids eye contact and prefers time alone

  • Any age. Struggles to understand the feelings of others

  • Any age. Nonverbal or delayed language development

  • Any age. Becomes upset by changes in routine

  • Any age. Has restricted interests

  • Any age. Performs repetitive behaviors

  • Any age. Unusually strong reactions to sensory input

Facts about autism

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children in the United States has autism, including 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls. In addition to the symptoms of autism, these children are more likely to suffer from intellectual disabilities, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep problems, anxiety and phobias. However, children can improve their behaviors and quality of life with ABA therapy and support.