Step 1: Could my child have ASD?

ASD can include a wide range of symptoms and behaviors, which is why the term “spectrum” is used. Every case is unique.

In general, ASD is a neurodevelopmental disability that is caused by differences in how the brain functions. It is considered both a neurological and psychiatric disorder.

People with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn differently than those without ASD.² This condition can include some or all of the following:   

• Persistent impairment in social communication and social interaction.
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities.
• Symptoms present from early childhood.
• Symptoms that limit or impair everyday functioning. 

How common is ASD?

It’s estimated that 1 in 59 children in the United States have ASD. While it occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, ASD is 4 times more common among boys than girls.³

What do I need to watch for?

ASD often develops in children before age 3. Because there are no differences in a child’s outward appearance, it can be difficult to recognize.

Here are some common signs to watch for⁴:

• Not responding to their name by 12 months of age.
• Not pointing at objects to show interest (pointing at an airplane flying over) by 14 months.
• Not playing “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months.
• Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone.
• Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings.
• Having delayed speech and language skills.
• Repeating words or phrases over and over (echolalia).
• Giving unrelated answers to questions.
• Getting upset by minor changes.
• Having obsessive interests.
• Flapping hands, rocking the body or spinning in circles.
• Having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel.

Symptoms last throughout a person’s life, although they may improve over time.

For more ASD signs and symptoms, visit this Centers for Disease Control page.

The main causes of ASD haven’t been confirmed yet, but it’s likely that multiple causes exist. While there’s still a lot to learn, risk factors may be genetic, environmental or biological in nature.  

Vaccines do not cause ASD
Despite some common misperceptions, research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows no link between childhood vaccines and ASD.⁵ In 2011, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on eight vaccines given to children and adults found that, with rare exceptions, these vaccines are very safe.

The following related disorders have symptoms similar to ASD. Ask your pediatrician or other professional about the differences, and what to watch for with each.

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD, autism and obsessive compulsive disorder can look a lot alike. Children with one of these disorders can be very active and impulsive, and can have trouble focusing and interacting with other people. Talk to your doctor about special tests and ways to determine the difference.  
• Intellectual disabilities. Individuals with intellectual disabilities have deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning, which are generally observed before the age of 18. Diagnosing intellectual disabilities involves both Intelligence Quotient (IQ) testing as well as clinical assessment and standardized testing.   
• Communication disorder. Those with a communication disorder have problems with social interaction, social understanding or using language in proper context. This disorder is usually diagnosed based on difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication skills.