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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. ASD affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. ASD is called a "spectrum" disorder because people experience different types of symptoms. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.
Learn more about ASD
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Autism Information from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
- Autism Information from Medline Plus
Signs and early detection
ASD begins before the age of three. Some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months of age or later. Some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months of age, and then they stop gaining new skills or lose the skills they once had. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive screening for autism.
Learn more about signs of ASD
Resources for Parents
The “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program aims to improve early identification of developmental delays and disabilities, including autism. The program helps parents track their child's development so children and families can get the services and support they need.
Screening & Diagnosis
Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test – like a blood test – to diagnose the condition. Instead, doctors must look at a person’s development and social behavior to make an assessment. Early identification is important so people with ASD get the help they need sooner.
Learn more about screening and diagnosis
If you’re concerned
- Use the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App and milestone checklists to encourage child development and help you know what to do if you’re concerned about how your child is developing.
- Contact your child’s doctor if you think your child might have ASD or if you have any other concerns about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts.
- If you or the doctor is still concerned, ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child. Specialists who can evaluate and make a diagnosis.
- Contact your state’s public early childhood system to request a free evaluation to find out if your child qualifies for intervention services. You do not need to wait for a doctor’s referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call.
- If your child is younger than 3 years old, call your state’s early intervention coordinator.
Treatment
ASD affects each person differently. People with ASD have unique needs and treatment goals. Treatment plans usually involve a combination of services designed for each individual. Communication is an important element of any treatment plan. Everyone involved in the treatment plan should communicate with each other.
Learn more about treatment
- CDC Treatment Information
- Treatment Information from the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Causes and Prevalence
There is not just one cause of ASD. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.
Learn more about causes and prevalence
- Frequently Asked Questions about ASD
- CDC Data & Statistics
- Is Autism Inherited?
- Detailed information about ASD from Medline Plus
Ongoing Federal Activities to Support People with ASD and their Families
HHS continues to work to improve the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. We support research, improve resources and services, and work with the entire community.
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) is a federal advisory committee. The IACC coordinates ASD-related efforts across the Federal government and wider community. The IACC advises the Secretary of HHS on issues related to ASD. The IACC is made up of both federal and public stakeholders so that a wide range of ideas and perspectives are represented and discussed.
The IACC’s work includes:
- The IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research,
- Summary of Advances in ASD Research,
- Monitoring of federal and privately funded autism research,
- Other federal ASD activities, and meetings held throughout the year.
Research and Data
Several government agencies contribute to ASD research.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have:
- Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) – A program that includes research centers and networks that focus on identifying the causes of ASD and developing potential treatments.
- Environmental Health Research – Research that is primarily interested in risk factors related to gene and environment interaction.
- Autism Clinical Trials – A website that catalogs results for autism clinical trials from around the world.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have:
- Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network – A program that collects data to understand the number and characteristics of people with ASD and other developmental disabilities.
- Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) – A study to help identify factors that may put children at risk for ASD and developmental characteristics.
- The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has:
- Autism Programs and Resources – Programs that support workforce training, research, and coordination of systems and services affecting people with ASD and their families.