What Is Autism? What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group
of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are
characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social
interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive
behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood
disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise
specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome. ASD can be associated with
intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and
attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal
disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math
and art.
Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role. Learn more …
How Common Is Autism?
Autism
statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) identify around 1 in 110 American children as on the autism
spectrum–a 600 percent increase in prevalence over the past two
decades. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly
explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that
autism is three to four times more common among boys than girls. An
estimated 1 out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism in the United
States.
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with
childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes or pediatric AIDS combined. ASD
affects an estimated 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of
millions worldwide. Moreover, government autism statistics suggest that
prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent
years. There is no established explanation for this continuing
increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are
two reasons often considered. Learn more …
What Causes Autism?
Not long ago, the answer to this question would have been “we have no idea.” Research is now delivering the answers. First and foremost, we now know that there is no one cause of autism just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves. Most cases of autism, however, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
In the presence of a genetic predisposition to autism, a number of nongenetic, or “environmental,” stresses appear to further increase a child’s risk. The clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception (both mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk.
A small but growing body of research suggests that autism risk is less among children whose mothers took prenatal vitamins (containing folic acid) in the months before and after conception.
Increasingly, researchers are looking at the role of the immune system in autism. Autism Speaks is working to increase awareness and investigation of these and other issues, where further research has the potential to improve the lives of those who struggle with autism. Learn more …
What Does It Mean to Be “On the Spectrum”?
Each
individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum
have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills.
About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities.
Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their
distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others
with autism have significant disability and are unable to live
independently. About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal
but can learn to communicate using other means. Autism Speaks’ mission
is to improve the lives of all those on the autism spectrum. For some,
this means the development and delivery of more effective treatments
that can address significant challenges in communication and physical
health. For others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and support.
Resources: We are pleased to offer many resource-packed tool kits for free download (here and here), including the 100 Day Kit for families who have a child recently diagnosed with autism. For still more information and resources please see our Video Glossary and FAQs and special sections on Diagnosis, Symptoms, Learn the Signs, Treatment, Your Child’s Rights, Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS. These resources are made possible through the generous support of our families, volunteers and other donors.