Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that were previously diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. Many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with ASD might not get the early help they need.

Children with ASD may seem different even as young as 12 months when compared to other children their own age. Many become overly focused on certain objects, rarely make eye contact, and fail to engage in typical babbling with their family members. In other cases, children may develop typically until the second or even third year of life, but then start to regress, withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement (See red Flags for Autism Spectrum Disorder)

The severity of ASD can vary greatly and is based on the degree to which social interaction, communication, rigidity to their routine activities/surroundings, and repetitive patterns of behavior occur and impact the daily functioning of the child.

There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Talk with your child’s doctor if you believe if your child has ASD or other developmental problems.