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.
Many people with autism experience other medical, behavioral, or mental health issues that affect their quality of life.
Among the most common co-occurring conditions are:
Anyone can be autistic, regardless of sex, age, race, or ethnicity. However, research from the CDC indicates that boys are diagnosed with autism four times more often than girls. According to the DSM-5-TR, the diagnostic manual for ASD, autism can present differently in girls and boys. Girls may exhibit more subtle symptoms, face fewer social and communication challenges, and display fewer repetitive behaviors. As a result, their symptoms can sometimes go unrecognized by healthcare professionals, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Additionally, autistic adults often learn to "mask" their symptoms, making diagnosis more difficult.
Autism is a lifelong condition, and an autistic person's needs, strengths, and challenges can evolve over time. As individuals transition through different life stages, their required support and accommodations may change. Early intervention and therapy can significantly enhance skills and improve outcomes in the long run.
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As a parent or caregiver, one of the most important steps you can take is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with your child's developmental milestones.
The list below outlines common behaviors often seen in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While not every autistic child will exhibit all of these behaviors, many will display several. This highlights the importance of professional evaluation. It's also worth noting that some children without ASD may show similar behaviors, but for those with ASD, these behaviors can be particularly disruptive or challenging in daily life.
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.
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.
Children and adults with autism may have difficulty with social interaction and communication skills, particularly in these three areas:
Restricted and repetitive behaviors vary greatly across the spectrum. To get an autism diagnosis, a person must show at least two types of these behaviors:
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