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Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today.

We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.

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What is autism spectrum disorder (asd)? Click here to read the definition, learn about different types of autism and how to help autistic kids.

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signs-and-symptoms - Autism Speaks Canada

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Signs and Symptoms: Learn the Signs Recent research confirms that appropriate screening can determine whether a child is at risk for autism as young as one

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The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional and/or behavioral therapist.
If you are an adult and think you may have autism, please see
Is It Autism and If So, What Next? A Guide for Adults

The timing and severity of autism's first symptoms can vary widely. Some children with autism show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms may not become obvious until 24 months or later. Some children with autism appear to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then stop gaining new skills and/or start losing skills.

The following "red flags" suggest a child is at risk for autism. Some children without autism have some of these symptoms, and not all children with autism show all of them. That's why further evaluation is crucial. If your child exhibits any of the following, please see Step 2: Get your child screened.

Possible signs of autism in babies and toddlers:

By 6 months, no social smiles or other warm, joyful expressions directed at people

By 6 months, limited or no eye contact

By 9 months, no sharing of vocal sounds, smiles or other nonverbal communication

By 12 months, no babbling

By 12 months, no use of gestures to communicate (e.g. pointing, reaching, waving etc.)

By 12 months, no response to name when called

By 16 months, no words

By 24 months, no meaningful, two-word phrases

Any loss of any previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills

Possible signs of autism at any age:

Avoids eye contact and prefers to be alone

Struggles with understanding other people's feelings

Remains nonverbal or has delayed language development

Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia)

Gets upset by minor changes in routine or surroundings

Has highly restricted interests

Performs repetitive behaviors such as flapping, rocking or spinning

Has unusual and often intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

If you have concerns after reviewing this page, please contact your healthcare provider.

Contact the Autism Response Team

Need personal guidance? Members of the Autism Speaks Autism Response Team are trained to connect individuals and families with information, tools and resources.

Call us (888) 288-4762
En Español (888) 772-9050
Email us at familyservices@autismspeaks.org

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The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional and/or behavioral therapist. If you are an adult and think you may have autism, please see Is It Autism and If So, What Next?

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Autism Spectrum Disorder, or autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts brain development causing most individuals to experience communication problems, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to repeat specific patterns of behaviour. There is also a markedly restricted repertoire of activities and interests.

It is typically accompanied by co-occurring medical conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal abnormalities, immune dysregulation and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

The term "spectrum" refers to a continuum of severity or developmental impairment. Children and adults with ASDs usually have particular characteristics in common, but the conditions cover a wide spectrum, with individual differences in:

Number and particular kinds of symptoms

Severity: mild to severe

Age of onset

Levels of functioning

Challenges with social interactions

According to the latest estimates (March 2014) from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) " 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) " This represents a 30% increase in the prevalence rate previously reported by the CDC.

Individuals on the autism spectrum tend to have varying degrees and combinations of symptoms and therefore treatment must be specific to the individual. It is also important to keep in mind that individuals with autism vary widely in their needs, skills and abilities.

There is no standard "type" or "typical" person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Knowing the early signs that lead to early diagnosis can lead to optimal outcomes.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder, or autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts brain development causing most individuals to experience communication problems, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to repeat specific patterns of behaviour. There is also a markedly restricted repertoire of activities and interests.