What is Autism?

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Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), encompasses a wide range of conditions marked by challenges in social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication, both verbal and nonverbal. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it affects approximately 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States.

It's essential to understand that autism is not a single condition but a spectrum of experiences. Each autistic individual has their own unique set of strengths and challenges. Some may be able to speak, while others are nonverbal or use alternative forms of communication. Additionally, some individuals may have intellectual disabilities, while others do not. The level of support needed varies widely; some individuals require significant assistance in daily life, while others may live independently with minimal support.

Typically, autism is diagnosed around age 5 in the U.S., with signs often becoming evident by ages 2 or 3. The current diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5-TR classify ASD into three levels based on the degree of support a person may need: level 1, level 2, and level 3.

The age at which autism is diagnosed and the early signs can vary significantly from child to child. Some children may show early signs of autism within their first 12 months, while others may not exhibit any signs until 24 months or later. It's important to note that some children with ASD may initially gain new skills and meet developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months, after which they may stop progressing or even lose previously acquired skills.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the leading pediatric health organization in the United States, recommends that all children be screened for autism at 18 and 24 months. Additionally, developmental and behavioral screenings should occur during regular well-child visits at 9, 18, and 30 months. Research indicates that by age 2, an ASD diagnosis made by an experienced professional can be considered reliable.

1. Learn the signs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Act Early Program provides parents, childcare professionals and pediatric clinicians with free resources, in English and Spanish, for monitoring a child’s development. The program offers parent-friendly, research-based milestone checklists for children as young as 2 months of age. The Milestone Tracker App can help parents track their child’s development and share the information with their pediatricians.
2. Take the M-CHAT-R screening questionnaire. The M-CHAT-R™ (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised). can help you determine if a professional should evaluate your child. This simple online autism screening questionnaire, available on our website, takes only a couple minutes to complete. If the answers suggest your child has a high probability for autism, please consult with your child’s doctor. 
3. Schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns about their development. Don’t hesitate discuss the possibility of autism screening with your doctor today. You can use the Autism Speaks Resource Guide to locate providers in your area. While every child develops at their own pace, early intervention can lead to significantly better outcomes. Research indicates that early intensive behavioral intervention can enhance learning, communication, and social skills in young children with ASD.

While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) looks different from person to person, doctors look for these two symptoms when making a diagnosis. They also rate the severity of these symptoms based on the level of daily support the person requires. Severity levels range from level 1 (“requiring support") to level 3 (“requiring very substantial support”). Not all people with ASD present these two core symptoms the same way. Additionally, some people without ASD may exhibit these signs.