BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAutism spectrum disorderAutism; Autistic disorder; Asperger syndrome; Childhood disintegrative disorder; Pervasive developmental disorder Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder. It often appears in the first 2 to 3 years of life. ASD affects the brain's ability to develop normal social and communication skills.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes The exact cause of ASD isn't known. It's likely that a number of factors may lead to ASD. Research shows that genes may be involved, since ASD runs in some families. Certain medicines taken during pregnancy may also lead to ASD in the child.Other causes have been suspected, but not proven. Some scientists believe that damage to a part of the brain, called the amygdala, may be involved. Others are looking at whether a virus may trigger symptoms.Some parents have heard that vaccines may cause ASD. But studies have found no link between vaccines and ASD. All expert medical and government groups state that there is no link between vaccines and ASD.The increase in children with ASD may be due to better diagnosis and newer definitions of ASD. Autism spectrum disorder now includes syndromes that used to be regarded as separate disorders:Autistic disorder Asperger syndrome Asperger syndromeAsperger syndrome is often considered a high functioning form of autism. It can lead to difficulty interacting socially, repeat behaviors, and clums...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Childhood disintegrative disorder Childhood disintegrative disorderChildhood disintegrative disorder is a condition in which children develop normally through about age 3. Then, over a few months, they lose language...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Pervasive developmental disorder Symptoms Most parents of children with ASD suspect that something is wrong by the time the child is 18 months old. Children with ASD often have problems with:Pretend play Social interactions Verbal and nonverbal communicationSome children seem normal before age 1 or 2. They then suddenly lose language or social skills they already had.Symptoms can vary from moderate to severe.A person with ASD may:Be very sensitive to sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste (for example, they refuse to wear "itchy" clothes and get upset if they're forced to wear the clothes) Be very upset when routines are changed Repeat body movements over and over Be unusually attached to thingsCommunication problems may include:Can't start or maintain a conversation Uses gestures instead of words Develops language slowly or not at all Doesn't adjust gaze to look at objects that others are looking at Doesn't refer to self the right way (for example, says "you want water" when the child means "I want water") Doesn't point to show objects to other people (normally occurs in the first 14 months of life) Repeats words or memorized passages, such as commercialsSocial interaction problems may include:Doesn't make friends Doesn't play interactive games Is withdrawn May not respond to eye contact or smiles, or may avoid eye contact May treat others as objects Prefers to be alone rather than with others Isn't able to show empathyResponse to sensory information problems may include:Doesn't startle at loud noises Has very high or very low senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste May find normal noises painful and hold their hands over their ears May withdraw from physical contact because it's too stimulating or overwhelming Rubs surfaces, mouths or licks objects May have a very high or very low response to painProblems with play may include:Doesn't imitate the actions of others Prefers solitary or ritualistic play Shows little pretend or imaginative playBehaviors may include:Acts out with intense tantrums Gets stuck on a single topic or task Has a short attention span Has very narrow interests Is overactive or very passive Is aggressive toward others or self Shows a strong need for things being the same Repeats body movements Exams and Tests All children should have routine exams done by their health care provider. More tests may be needed if the provider or parents are concerned. This is true if a child doesn't meet any one of these language milestones:Babbling by 12 months Gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye) by 12 months Saying single words by 16 months Saying two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not just echoing) Losing any language or social skills at any ageThese children might need a hearing test, blood lead test, and screening test for ASD.A provider experienced in diagnosing and treating ASD should examine the child to make the actual diagnosis. Because there isn't a definitive test for ASD, the diagnosis is often based on guidelines from a medical book titled Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).An evaluation for ASD often includes a complete physical and nervous system (neurologic) exam. Tests may be done to see if there is a problem with genes or the body's metabolism. Metabolism is the body's physical and chemical processes.MetabolismMetabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:BreathingCirculating bloodControlling bo...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ASD includes a broad spectrum of symptoms. So, a single, brief evaluation can't tell a child's true abilities. It's best to have a team of specialists evaluate the child. They might evaluate:Communication Language Motor skills Speech Success at school Thinking abilitiesSome parents don't want to have their child diagnosed because they're afraid the child will be labeled. But without a diagnosis, their child may not get the needed treatment and services. Treatment At this time, there is no cure for ASD. A treatment program will greatly improve the outlook for most young children. Most programs build on the interests of the child in a highly structured schedule of constructive activities.Treatment plans may combine techniques, including:Applied behavior analysis (ABA) Medicines, if needed Occupational therapy Physical therapy Speech-language therapyAPPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS (ABA)This program is for younger children. It helps in some cases. ABA uses one-on-one teaching that reinforces various skills. The goal is to get the child close to normal functioning for their age.An ABA program is often done in a child's home. A behavioral psychologist oversees the program. ABA programs can be very expensive and aren't widely used by school systems. Parents often have to find funding and staffing from other sources, which aren't available in many communities.TEACCHAnother program is called the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH). It uses picture schedules and other visual cues. These help children work on their own and organize and structure their environments.Though TEACCH tries to improve a child's skills and ability to adapt, it also accepts the problems associated with ASD. Unlike ABA programs, TEACCH doesn't expect children to achieve typical development with treatment.MEDICINESThere is no medicine that treats ASD itself. But medicines are often used to treat behavior or emotional problems that people with ASD may have. These include:Aggression Anxiety Attention problems Extreme compulsions that the child cannot stop Hyperactivity Impulsiveness Irritability Mood swings Outbursts Sleep difficulty TantrumsThe medicine risperidone is FDA approved to treat children ages 5 through 16 for the irritability and aggression that can occur with ASD. The medicine aripriprazole is FDA approved to treat children ages 6 through 17 for the same symptoms. Other medicines that may also be used are mood stabilizers and stimulants.DIETSome children with ASD seem to do well on a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Gluten is in foods containing wheat, rye, and barley. Casein is in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Not all experts agree that changes in diet make a difference. And not all studies have shown positive results.If you're thinking about these or other diet changes, talk to both a provider and a registered dietitian. You want to be sure that your child is still getting enough calories and the right nutrients.OTHER APPROACHESBeware of widely publicized treatments for ASD that don't have scientific support, and reports of miracle cures. If your child has ASD, talk with other parents. Also discuss your concerns with ASD specialists. Follow the progress of ASD research, which is rapidly developing. Support Groups Many organizations provide additional information and help on ASD.OrganizationsThese organizations are good sources of information on autism:Association for Science in Autism Treatment -- asatonline. orgAutism Society of America...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) With the right treatment, many ASD symptoms can be improved. Most people with ASD have some symptoms throughout their lives. But, they're able to live with their families or in the community. Possible Complications ASD can be linked with other brain disorders, such as:Fragile X syndrome Fragile X syndromeFragile X syndrome is a genetic condition involving changes in a gene on the X chromosome. It is the most common form of inherited intellectual disa...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Intellectual disability Intellectual disabilityIntellectual disability is a condition diagnosed before age 18 that includes below-average intellectual function and a lack of skills necessary for d...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Tuberous sclerosisTuberous sclerosisTuberous sclerosis is a genetic disorder that affects the skin, brain/nervous system, kidneys, heart, and lungs. The condition can also cause tumors...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Some people with autism develop seizures.SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article The stress of dealing with autism can lead to social and emotional problems for families and caregivers, and for the person with autism. When to Contact a Medical Professional Parents usually suspect that there is a developmental problem long before a diagnosis is made. Call your provider if you think that your child is not developing normally.Open ReferencesReferencesBridgemohan CF, Weitzman CC. Autism spectrum disorder. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 58.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). About autism spectrum disorder. www.cdc.gov/autism/about/index.html. Updated April 15, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025.Chaves-Gnecco D, Feldman HM. Developmental/behavioral pediatrics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3.National Institute of Mental Health website. Autism spectrum disorder. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd. Updated December 2024. Accessed May 7, 2025.Sidhu R, O'Banion DD, Hall C. Autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 90.AllVideoImagesTogRelated Information Autism spectrum disorder - Asperger syndrome(Condition)Tuberous sclerosis(Condition)Intellectual disability(Condition)Fragile X syndrome(Condition) Review Date: 4/6/2025 Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Autism spectrum disorderAutism; Autistic disorder; Asperger syndrome; Childhood disintegrative disorder; Pervasive developmental disorder Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder. It often appears in the first 2 to 3 years of life. ASD affects the brain's ability to develop normal social and communication skills.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes The exact cause of ASD isn't known. It's likely that a number of factors may lead to ASD. Research shows that genes may be involved, since ASD runs in some families. Certain medicines taken during pregnancy may also lead to ASD in the child.Other causes have been suspected, but not proven. Some scientists believe that damage to a part of the brain, called the amygdala, may be involved. Others are looking at whether a virus may trigger symptoms.Some parents have heard that vaccines may cause ASD. But studies have found no link between vaccines and ASD. All expert medical and government groups state that there is no link between vaccines and ASD.The increase in children with ASD may be due to better diagnosis and newer definitions of ASD. Autism spectrum disorder now includes syndromes that used to be regarded as separate disorders:Autistic disorder Asperger syndrome Asperger syndromeAsperger syndrome is often considered a high functioning form of autism. It can lead to difficulty interacting socially, repeat behaviors, and clums...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Childhood disintegrative disorder Childhood disintegrative disorderChildhood disintegrative disorder is a condition in which children develop normally through about age 3. Then, over a few months, they lose language...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Pervasive developmental disorder Symptoms Most parents of children with ASD suspect that something is wrong by the time the child is 18 months old. Children with ASD often have problems with:Pretend play Social interactions Verbal and nonverbal communicationSome children seem normal before age 1 or 2. They then suddenly lose language or social skills they already had.Symptoms can vary from moderate to severe.A person with ASD may:Be very sensitive to sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste (for example, they refuse to wear "itchy" clothes and get upset if they're forced to wear the clothes) Be very upset when routines are changed Repeat body movements over and over Be unusually attached to thingsCommunication problems may include:Can't start or maintain a conversation Uses gestures instead of words Develops language slowly or not at all Doesn't adjust gaze to look at objects that others are looking at Doesn't refer to self the right way (for example, says "you want water" when the child means "I want water") Doesn't point to show objects to other people (normally occurs in the first 14 months of life) Repeats words or memorized passages, such as commercialsSocial interaction problems may include:Doesn't make friends Doesn't play interactive games Is withdrawn May not respond to eye contact or smiles, or may avoid eye contact May treat others as objects Prefers to be alone rather than with others Isn't able to show empathyResponse to sensory information problems may include:Doesn't startle at loud noises Has very high or very low senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste May find normal noises painful and hold their hands over their ears May withdraw from physical contact because it's too stimulating or overwhelming Rubs surfaces, mouths or licks objects May have a very high or very low response to painProblems with play may include:Doesn't imitate the actions of others Prefers solitary or ritualistic play Shows little pretend or imaginative playBehaviors may include:Acts out with intense tantrums Gets stuck on a single topic or task Has a short attention span Has very narrow interests Is overactive or very passive Is aggressive toward others or self Shows a strong need for things being the same Repeats body movements Exams and Tests All children should have routine exams done by their health care provider. More tests may be needed if the provider or parents are concerned. This is true if a child doesn't meet any one of these language milestones:Babbling by 12 months Gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye) by 12 months Saying single words by 16 months Saying two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not just echoing) Losing any language or social skills at any ageThese children might need a hearing test, blood lead test, and screening test for ASD.A provider experienced in diagnosing and treating ASD should examine the child to make the actual diagnosis. Because there isn't a definitive test for ASD, the diagnosis is often based on guidelines from a medical book titled Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).An evaluation for ASD often includes a complete physical and nervous system (neurologic) exam. Tests may be done to see if there is a problem with genes or the body's metabolism. Metabolism is the body's physical and chemical processes.MetabolismMetabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:BreathingCirculating bloodControlling bo...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ASD includes a broad spectrum of symptoms. So, a single, brief evaluation can't tell a child's true abilities. It's best to have a team of specialists evaluate the child. They might evaluate:Communication Language Motor skills Speech Success at school Thinking abilitiesSome parents don't want to have their child diagnosed because they're afraid the child will be labeled. But without a diagnosis, their child may not get the needed treatment and services. Treatment At this time, there is no cure for ASD. A treatment program will greatly improve the outlook for most young children. Most programs build on the interests of the child in a highly structured schedule of constructive activities.Treatment plans may combine techniques, including:Applied behavior analysis (ABA) Medicines, if needed Occupational therapy Physical therapy Speech-language therapyAPPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS (ABA)This program is for younger children. It helps in some cases. ABA uses one-on-one teaching that reinforces various skills. The goal is to get the child close to normal functioning for their age.An ABA program is often done in a child's home. A behavioral psychologist oversees the program. ABA programs can be very expensive and aren't widely used by school systems. Parents often have to find funding and staffing from other sources, which aren't available in many communities.TEACCHAnother program is called the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH). It uses picture schedules and other visual cues. These help children work on their own and organize and structure their environments.Though TEACCH tries to improve a child's skills and ability to adapt, it also accepts the problems associated with ASD. Unlike ABA programs, TEACCH doesn't expect children to achieve typical development with treatment.MEDICINESThere is no medicine that treats ASD itself. But medicines are often used to treat behavior or emotional problems that people with ASD may have. These include:Aggression Anxiety Attention problems Extreme compulsions that the child cannot stop Hyperactivity Impulsiveness Irritability Mood swings Outbursts Sleep difficulty TantrumsThe medicine risperidone is FDA approved to treat children ages 5 through 16 for the irritability and aggression that can occur with ASD. The medicine aripriprazole is FDA approved to treat children ages 6 through 17 for the same symptoms. Other medicines that may also be used are mood stabilizers and stimulants.DIETSome children with ASD seem to do well on a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Gluten is in foods containing wheat, rye, and barley. Casein is in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Not all experts agree that changes in diet make a difference. And not all studies have shown positive results.If you're thinking about these or other diet changes, talk to both a provider and a registered dietitian. You want to be sure that your child is still getting enough calories and the right nutrients.OTHER APPROACHESBeware of widely publicized treatments for ASD that don't have scientific support, and reports of miracle cures. If your child has ASD, talk with other parents. Also discuss your concerns with ASD specialists. Follow the progress of ASD research, which is rapidly developing. Support Groups Many organizations provide additional information and help on ASD.OrganizationsThese organizations are good sources of information on autism:Association for Science in Autism Treatment -- asatonline. orgAutism Society of America...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) With the right treatment, many ASD symptoms can be improved. Most people with ASD have some symptoms throughout their lives. But, they're able to live with their families or in the community. Possible Complications ASD can be linked with other brain disorders, such as:Fragile X syndrome Fragile X syndromeFragile X syndrome is a genetic condition involving changes in a gene on the X chromosome. It is the most common form of inherited intellectual disa...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Intellectual disability Intellectual disabilityIntellectual disability is a condition diagnosed before age 18 that includes below-average intellectual function and a lack of skills necessary for d...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Tuberous sclerosisTuberous sclerosisTuberous sclerosis is a genetic disorder that affects the skin, brain/nervous system, kidneys, heart, and lungs. The condition can also cause tumors...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Some people with autism develop seizures.SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article The stress of dealing with autism can lead to social and emotional problems for families and caregivers, and for the person with autism. When to Contact a Medical Professional Parents usually suspect that there is a developmental problem long before a diagnosis is made. Call your provider if you think that your child is not developing normally.Open ReferencesReferencesBridgemohan CF, Weitzman CC. Autism spectrum disorder. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 58.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). About autism spectrum disorder. www.cdc.gov/autism/about/index.html. Updated April 15, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025.Chaves-Gnecco D, Feldman HM. Developmental/behavioral pediatrics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3.National Institute of Mental Health website. Autism spectrum disorder. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd. Updated December 2024. Accessed May 7, 2025.Sidhu R, O'Banion DD, Hall C. Autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 90.
